solatium • \so-LAY-shee-um\ • noun
: a compensation (as money) given as solace for suffering, loss, or injured feelings
A Larry King Christmas? I can't imagine what that entails, nor do I want to. How sad that my best friend was spending the day watching tv while I was opening gifts and dressing the Christmas table and eating mass quantities of deliciously home-prepared foods. As compensation, or solatium, I'm offering you, Michelle, another full week as guest blogger of the Word Repository! Oh I know you're excited.
Today I felt even worse for stealing Christmas from Michelle after our boss vetoed her request for Friday off based on the fact that the office was not covered due to me leaving early for Germany. I owe you Michelle. Big. I'll bring you back some beer. And you can have the comfy chair when I die.
The best gift I got this Christmas was a big fat cold wrapped up in a pretty bow compliments of my entire family. See, that's my kind of sarcasm. It isn't going to be funny anymore if it doesn't go away in the next day and a half. I Can Not go to Germany with a freaking cold.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Word of the Day: Cabin Fever
cabin fever
n.
Boredom, restlessness, or irritability that results from a lack of environmental stimulation, as from a prolonged stay in a remote, sparsely populated region or a confined indoor area.
Well, there's no excuse for me to not post an entry today. I truly can say that I have nothing better to do. Every business is closed, my friends are all occupied doing whatever it is they do on Christmas, and even my family abandoned me to visit other family in New York.
So here is how a Jew spends Christmas:
1. wake up
2. make breakfast
3. go back to sleep
4. sit in front of the couch and watch A Larry King Christmas (really, that's what it's called)
5. eat lunch: my christmas meal to honor those who make the Christmas spirit possible for Jews: the Asians. I had some yummy sushi and a thai iced tea
6. sit in front of the couch watching E's 50 cutest child actors. Hosted by Candace Cameron and Keisha Knight Pulliam.
7. eat dinner
8. sit in front of the couch watching the Law and Order Marathon
okay, in my defense the day has been actually pretty productive - between the t.v. shows I've cleaned my room, did 4 loads of laundry, and did a ridiculous amount of work considering that it is a federal holiday.
I've determined that today is the first day in which I've stayed indoors all day since May, and I only stayed inside then cause I was sick. So in summary: I am suffering from cabin fever.
n.
Boredom, restlessness, or irritability that results from a lack of environmental stimulation, as from a prolonged stay in a remote, sparsely populated region or a confined indoor area.
Well, there's no excuse for me to not post an entry today. I truly can say that I have nothing better to do. Every business is closed, my friends are all occupied doing whatever it is they do on Christmas, and even my family abandoned me to visit other family in New York.
So here is how a Jew spends Christmas:
1. wake up
2. make breakfast
3. go back to sleep
4. sit in front of the couch and watch A Larry King Christmas (really, that's what it's called)
5. eat lunch: my christmas meal to honor those who make the Christmas spirit possible for Jews: the Asians. I had some yummy sushi and a thai iced tea
6. sit in front of the couch watching E's 50 cutest child actors. Hosted by Candace Cameron and Keisha Knight Pulliam.
7. eat dinner
8. sit in front of the couch watching the Law and Order Marathon
okay, in my defense the day has been actually pretty productive - between the t.v. shows I've cleaned my room, did 4 loads of laundry, and did a ridiculous amount of work considering that it is a federal holiday.
I've determined that today is the first day in which I've stayed indoors all day since May, and I only stayed inside then cause I was sick. So in summary: I am suffering from cabin fever.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Word of the Day: Sarcasm
sar·casm ( P ) Pronunciation Key (särkzm)n.
A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
The use of sarcasm.
I had an entry planned to explain why this is my word of the day. It was going to be all about how I think that having a sense of sarcasm is an important. Using sarcasm shows your intelligence by being able to take a serious set of words and twist them around. Sarcasm also shows your ability to laugh at life, to not take everything so seriously.
But then, I read the actual definition of the word and it's made me rethink things. I never really considered sarcasm to be used as a true intent to wound. Yes, I am incredibly sarcastic, but I mean to be funny. I don't mean to be insulting or condescending. And I don't think I'm alone in that thinking. It's time we redefine sarcasm!
Here's a fun holiday article for those looking to learn more about Hannukah (and yes, it's a bit "sarcastic" as well) Click here.
On an unrelated note, my S key keeps getting stuck. Why couldn't this happen to the letter X instead?
A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
The use of sarcasm.
I had an entry planned to explain why this is my word of the day. It was going to be all about how I think that having a sense of sarcasm is an important. Using sarcasm shows your intelligence by being able to take a serious set of words and twist them around. Sarcasm also shows your ability to laugh at life, to not take everything so seriously.
But then, I read the actual definition of the word and it's made me rethink things. I never really considered sarcasm to be used as a true intent to wound. Yes, I am incredibly sarcastic, but I mean to be funny. I don't mean to be insulting or condescending. And I don't think I'm alone in that thinking. It's time we redefine sarcasm!
Here's a fun holiday article for those looking to learn more about Hannukah (and yes, it's a bit "sarcastic" as well) Click here.
On an unrelated note, my S key keeps getting stuck. Why couldn't this happen to the letter X instead?
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Oh Yeah...
I totally forgot I am supposed to fill Laura's void while she's off on the west coast doing fun things like not working, not waking up to go to work, not commuting to work, not attending meetings at work, etc. etc.
But to be honest, I don't have much to say. Except that I am excited for Christmas! It's my favorite time of the year: for it's the one weekend of the year when everyone leaves me alone. While my Christian friends are off doing that whole Christian thing, I'm enjoying sleeping, cleaning, blasting loud music in the house, watching bad television, etc.
Oh and here's some great news... I got a letter from my health insurance company, telling me that next year they are lowering my monthly rates. I didn't even know that was possible!
But to be honest, I don't have much to say. Except that I am excited for Christmas! It's my favorite time of the year: for it's the one weekend of the year when everyone leaves me alone. While my Christian friends are off doing that whole Christian thing, I'm enjoying sleeping, cleaning, blasting loud music in the house, watching bad television, etc.
Oh and here's some great news... I got a letter from my health insurance company, telling me that next year they are lowering my monthly rates. I didn't even know that was possible!
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Word of the Day: Delectation
delectation \dee-lek-TAY-shun\, noun:
Great pleasure; delight, enjoyment.
Yesterday I went to see my favorite musical of all times, Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. Kim and I went downtown, took a nice stroll in the chilly winter air to dinner at Kanlaya (my new favorite Thai place in Chinatown) and then headed over to National Theatre for what they claim is the final D.C. engagement. Are they trying to hurt me? I went to Les Mis last time it was in town in 2003 and, though it was slightly superior to last night's performance, I am never disappointed to hear Jean Valjean sing Castle on a Cloud or Eponine's A Little Fall of Rain. I was and continue to be mesmerized by the music every time I see it. Note: The book is also incredible in case you haven't read it.
I'm very excited for the next few weeks. I worked most of the day today, but still feel as if it's the calm before the storm. Tomorrow night is the long awaited ATM Happy Hour Non-Holiday Holiday Party. We've been doing happy hour for 33 weeks now, every Monday at RFD. Tomorrow shall be great fun. Tuesday I leave for Oregon for Christmas. I'll be home for a week and my nephew has already planned my whole week, including sledding, watching Scooby Doo and playing on the blow up helicopter (okay I added that part myself). When I return, I'm only home for three days before going to Germany for New Years to see Chris. By the time I get back here, I'll have blissfully forgotten how mundane and tedious my life has become -- right! Ha.
Great pleasure; delight, enjoyment.
Yesterday I went to see my favorite musical of all times, Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. Kim and I went downtown, took a nice stroll in the chilly winter air to dinner at Kanlaya (my new favorite Thai place in Chinatown) and then headed over to National Theatre for what they claim is the final D.C. engagement. Are they trying to hurt me? I went to Les Mis last time it was in town in 2003 and, though it was slightly superior to last night's performance, I am never disappointed to hear Jean Valjean sing Castle on a Cloud or Eponine's A Little Fall of Rain. I was and continue to be mesmerized by the music every time I see it. Note: The book is also incredible in case you haven't read it.
I'm very excited for the next few weeks. I worked most of the day today, but still feel as if it's the calm before the storm. Tomorrow night is the long awaited ATM Happy Hour Non-Holiday Holiday Party. We've been doing happy hour for 33 weeks now, every Monday at RFD. Tomorrow shall be great fun. Tuesday I leave for Oregon for Christmas. I'll be home for a week and my nephew has already planned my whole week, including sledding, watching Scooby Doo and playing on the blow up helicopter (okay I added that part myself). When I return, I'm only home for three days before going to Germany for New Years to see Chris. By the time I get back here, I'll have blissfully forgotten how mundane and tedious my life has become -- right! Ha.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Word of the Day: Cheer
cheer:
Lightness of spirits or mood; gaiety or joy: a happy tune, full of cheer.
A source of joy or happiness; a comfort.
A shout of approval, encouragement, or congratulation.
A short, rehearsed jingle or phrase, shouted in unison by a squad of cheerleaders.
Festive food and drink; refreshment.
Cheer this time of year is usually meant to describe the sence of happiness that surrounds the holiday season. We're rapidly approaching the close of the Holiday season as Christmas is a mere 9 days away. What better way to spend the last day of the last week before Christmas than at an OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY! Part II.
The holiday party started off with a boom instead of a bang. The photo on my front page broke at exactly 11:53am, forcing me to stay at my desk until it was fixed, which didn't occur until 1:16pm, at which time all the food at the party was G - O -N - E. Let's do the math (disclaimer: I suck at math). There are 50 people signed up for the party. 50 dishes should be provided by those 50 people. If, say 20 of those 50 decided to pay instead of bring, then there should be 30 dishes and $100 with which to buy food. It would be a stretch to say there were 50 dishes, much less 30 dishes, and certainly $100 was not spent on extra food or I wouldn't have found nothing to eat at 1:16pm.
And then the karaoke started. I can't think of one good thing to say about that and I was taught that if I have nothing nice to say, say nothing.
Lightness of spirits or mood; gaiety or joy: a happy tune, full of cheer.
A source of joy or happiness; a comfort.
A shout of approval, encouragement, or congratulation.
A short, rehearsed jingle or phrase, shouted in unison by a squad of cheerleaders.
Festive food and drink; refreshment.
Cheer this time of year is usually meant to describe the sence of happiness that surrounds the holiday season. We're rapidly approaching the close of the Holiday season as Christmas is a mere 9 days away. What better way to spend the last day of the last week before Christmas than at an OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY! Part II.
The holiday party started off with a boom instead of a bang. The photo on my front page broke at exactly 11:53am, forcing me to stay at my desk until it was fixed, which didn't occur until 1:16pm, at which time all the food at the party was G - O -N - E. Let's do the math (disclaimer: I suck at math). There are 50 people signed up for the party. 50 dishes should be provided by those 50 people. If, say 20 of those 50 decided to pay instead of bring, then there should be 30 dishes and $100 with which to buy food. It would be a stretch to say there were 50 dishes, much less 30 dishes, and certainly $100 was not spent on extra food or I wouldn't have found nothing to eat at 1:16pm.
And then the karaoke started. I can't think of one good thing to say about that and I was taught that if I have nothing nice to say, say nothing.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Proof of Gene's Brilliance
If you recall, a few posts ago I discussed my favorite Tuesday afternoon activity, reading Gene Weingarten's online chat on Washington Post. Well today I will post one of the funniest things I've read on his chat. It's worthy of repeating because he's a comic genius.
Dear Mr. Weingarten: I am eight years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it in Mr. Weingarten's chat, it's so." Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Gene Weingarten: You blew it. Your place name should have been "Virginia."
However, I shall answer your question.
Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. Why, there is a Santa as surely as there is a Virginia! Go to any shopping mall, and behold him. True, he may often look like some homeless guy with a false beard earning a few bucks for booze by forfeiting his self-respect for the further enrichment pf corporate bloodsuckers trying to trick customers into overspending money they don't have on presents they can't afford for people they think they love.
It's love that doesn't exist, Virginia. We all die alone.
Dear Mr. Weingarten: I am eight years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it in Mr. Weingarten's chat, it's so." Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Gene Weingarten: You blew it. Your place name should have been "Virginia."
However, I shall answer your question.
Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. Why, there is a Santa as surely as there is a Virginia! Go to any shopping mall, and behold him. True, he may often look like some homeless guy with a false beard earning a few bucks for booze by forfeiting his self-respect for the further enrichment pf corporate bloodsuckers trying to trick customers into overspending money they don't have on presents they can't afford for people they think they love.
It's love that doesn't exist, Virginia. We all die alone.
Word of the Day: Lionize
lionize \LY-uh-nyz\, transitive verb:
To treat or regard as an object of great interest or importance.
The Annual Office Christmas Party, Part 1:
No other experience is quite like the annual office christmas party. Every year, planning and preparation complete, we gather in a cold, bland room of this building to share food and gifts with the other caged animals on our team. And each year the experience is a little more disturbing than the last.
This year's celebration followed a week of rearranging our cubes, yet again, to make room for new members of our team that have been relegated to all corners of the building because we had no where to put them. Our once spacious prison is now little more than a maze of mouse holes. But we don't mind. We love being packed in like little sardines in a tin can. Crank up the air conditioning -- it's a steamy 70 degrees in here!
If you've ever played dirty santa before, you know that getting a low number is not a good thing -- particular a single digit number, especially a low single digit number, like say, 2. That's what I got. After my boss, as #1, picked a lovely mug as her gift, I unwrapped a gift I've always wanted but never bought for myself: a wine bottle opener (the really fancy nice kind!). I prompty hid the gift under my chair and instructed my coworkers not to mess with #2. Ali, as #3, defiantly marched over and stole my wine opener. So I opened a nice Starbucks mug and gift card and tried to hide that one as well, but it was also stolen. The only good thing about the party was that there is leftovers for lunch today! Isn't it fabulous that we're so willing to steal a gift from our coworkers, gratuitously securing the best possible gift for ourselves. And we are supposed to be promoting peace and diplomacy. What a crock. ;)
Stay tuned for Part 2: All Team Holiday Party w/ Special Guest (band previously heard practicing in a recent blog entry)
To treat or regard as an object of great interest or importance.
The Annual Office Christmas Party, Part 1:
No other experience is quite like the annual office christmas party. Every year, planning and preparation complete, we gather in a cold, bland room of this building to share food and gifts with the other caged animals on our team. And each year the experience is a little more disturbing than the last.
This year's celebration followed a week of rearranging our cubes, yet again, to make room for new members of our team that have been relegated to all corners of the building because we had no where to put them. Our once spacious prison is now little more than a maze of mouse holes. But we don't mind. We love being packed in like little sardines in a tin can. Crank up the air conditioning -- it's a steamy 70 degrees in here!
If you've ever played dirty santa before, you know that getting a low number is not a good thing -- particular a single digit number, especially a low single digit number, like say, 2. That's what I got. After my boss, as #1, picked a lovely mug as her gift, I unwrapped a gift I've always wanted but never bought for myself: a wine bottle opener (the really fancy nice kind!). I prompty hid the gift under my chair and instructed my coworkers not to mess with #2. Ali, as #3, defiantly marched over and stole my wine opener. So I opened a nice Starbucks mug and gift card and tried to hide that one as well, but it was also stolen. The only good thing about the party was that there is leftovers for lunch today! Isn't it fabulous that we're so willing to steal a gift from our coworkers, gratuitously securing the best possible gift for ourselves. And we are supposed to be promoting peace and diplomacy. What a crock. ;)
Stay tuned for Part 2: All Team Holiday Party w/ Special Guest (band previously heard practicing in a recent blog entry)
Word of the Day: Pukka
puk·ka also puck·a
Genuine; authentic.
Superior; first-class
I allowed three days to lapse before posting to my blog to see how many comments I would get from regular readers complaining about the lack of fresh content. At least three people suggested words I could use if I, for some devastating reason, ran out of ideas! =gasp= Rest assured, I have not and will never run out of content. But thank you for your submissions. They are being considered by our staff of volunteers.
Today's word comes from a headphone review that Timoni was reading online. Michelle defines it in the following sentence: "Michelle and Timoni are pukka friends." And I have to add that Michelle and Timoni are my pukka friends too.
This weekend we had an amazing Christmas Party with about 60 people at Marianne's house. Was that the best party ever or what? The girls all made insanely good food, Timoni provided wonderful christmas tunes and everyone mingled! It was a fabulous 6.5 hour party. Good job girls! You're all my pukka friends too. I love you guys! We have to do that again soon.
Genuine; authentic.
Superior; first-class
I allowed three days to lapse before posting to my blog to see how many comments I would get from regular readers complaining about the lack of fresh content. At least three people suggested words I could use if I, for some devastating reason, ran out of ideas! =gasp= Rest assured, I have not and will never run out of content. But thank you for your submissions. They are being considered by our staff of volunteers.
Today's word comes from a headphone review that Timoni was reading online. Michelle defines it in the following sentence: "Michelle and Timoni are pukka friends." And I have to add that Michelle and Timoni are my pukka friends too.
This weekend we had an amazing Christmas Party with about 60 people at Marianne's house. Was that the best party ever or what? The girls all made insanely good food, Timoni provided wonderful christmas tunes and everyone mingled! It was a fabulous 6.5 hour party. Good job girls! You're all my pukka friends too. I love you guys! We have to do that again soon.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Word of the Day: Longevity
lon·gev·i·ty
(a) Long life; great duration of life (b) Length or duration of life (c) Long duration or continuance, as in an occupation
Today a new record was given by the Guinness Book of World Records to the oldest living human being, a 116-year-old woman from Equador. Some notable facts: she was born in 1889 and had five children. Her husband died in 1949. That must be a distant memory by now. Wow.
When asked what she thought of the changes in the world between then and now: "She said she disliked the fact that presently it's acceptable for women to pursue men. And she said that every day she thanks God that she's alive," White said.
Another woman who lived to be 113 said she attributed her longevity to a daily dose of brandy and dry ginger ale. Well, if that's what it takes... I'm just not sure I'd want to live to that age. Imagine all the people in your life you've seen go ahead of you. Even your own children could all be gone before you are. Better hope you have a good extended family! My sister promised to take care of me when I get old. I hope she knows I plan to collect on that promise.
The second part of this blog entry is about the other meaning of longevity -- to continuation, as in a career. When is it time to throw in the towel and find something else that makes you happy? Is it when the last straw is pulled or do you have to decide when to cut your losses, even when it's not as bad as it might someday be if you stay? I figure for me that day will be as soon as Michelle gets her cushy government job and moves to the 4th floor. I won't be able to function without her attached to my hip. One day I just won't show up to work anymore. I'll have lost my will to work.
(a) Long life; great duration of life (b) Length or duration of life (c) Long duration or continuance, as in an occupation
Today a new record was given by the Guinness Book of World Records to the oldest living human being, a 116-year-old woman from Equador. Some notable facts: she was born in 1889 and had five children. Her husband died in 1949. That must be a distant memory by now. Wow.
When asked what she thought of the changes in the world between then and now: "She said she disliked the fact that presently it's acceptable for women to pursue men. And she said that every day she thanks God that she's alive," White said.
Another woman who lived to be 113 said she attributed her longevity to a daily dose of brandy and dry ginger ale. Well, if that's what it takes... I'm just not sure I'd want to live to that age. Imagine all the people in your life you've seen go ahead of you. Even your own children could all be gone before you are. Better hope you have a good extended family! My sister promised to take care of me when I get old. I hope she knows I plan to collect on that promise.
The second part of this blog entry is about the other meaning of longevity -- to continuation, as in a career. When is it time to throw in the towel and find something else that makes you happy? Is it when the last straw is pulled or do you have to decide when to cut your losses, even when it's not as bad as it might someday be if you stay? I figure for me that day will be as soon as Michelle gets her cushy government job and moves to the 4th floor. I won't be able to function without her attached to my hip. One day I just won't show up to work anymore. I'll have lost my will to work.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Word of the Day: Egregious
e·gre·gious
adj. Conspicuously bad or offensive.
Some things in my world are just completely unnecessary, including, but not limited to, the whistler, the hummer and random mid-morning vacuuming. The past few days, as you probably know by the photo in a previous post, my coworkers and I have been freezing to death. Each day as I walk into the office I check the temperature to find that it is one degree colder than yesterday. Yes, I realize that 70 degrees is not all that cold, and if I were outside on a spring day in 70 degree weather, I'd probably be wearing short-sleeves, but when you're stuck in an office with no windows, a relentless draft and nothing to do but sit at your computer typing, there's very little you can do to generate warmth. So I complained.
One would think that complaining would actually create change. (It wasn't like I yelled at anyone. I just nicely asked for some more heat...so my teeth would stop chattering.) But no. My attempt to thaw myself and my coworkers backfired when a woman dressed in three layers of clothing (and an extra layer or two of insulation) walked in with a laser temperature gun. "It's 70 degrees in here," she says. "That's well within the acceptable range. We don't have to do anything. It's warm enough in here." Staring blankly at her, Michelle and I could not believe our ears. "But we're wearing scarves and gloves and three coats." She obviously didn't care. "Maybe you need to bring a heavier coat," she said. Michelle and Timoni already bought gloves so their hands wouldn't freeze. There's definitely something wrong with this picture.
The point of this story is just that people these days seem to be very egregious for no apparent reason. If the nazi temperature lady had an ounce of sympathy for us, but still could not change the situation, I would have graciously accepted my plight and returned to warming my hands over the back of the computer. But instead she chose to be especially egregious and treat me like a criminal for even suggesting we turn up the heat a mere one degree. This should be a lesson this season. Does it really hurt you to be nice?????
adj. Conspicuously bad or offensive.
Some things in my world are just completely unnecessary, including, but not limited to, the whistler, the hummer and random mid-morning vacuuming. The past few days, as you probably know by the photo in a previous post, my coworkers and I have been freezing to death. Each day as I walk into the office I check the temperature to find that it is one degree colder than yesterday. Yes, I realize that 70 degrees is not all that cold, and if I were outside on a spring day in 70 degree weather, I'd probably be wearing short-sleeves, but when you're stuck in an office with no windows, a relentless draft and nothing to do but sit at your computer typing, there's very little you can do to generate warmth. So I complained.
One would think that complaining would actually create change. (It wasn't like I yelled at anyone. I just nicely asked for some more heat...so my teeth would stop chattering.) But no. My attempt to thaw myself and my coworkers backfired when a woman dressed in three layers of clothing (and an extra layer or two of insulation) walked in with a laser temperature gun. "It's 70 degrees in here," she says. "That's well within the acceptable range. We don't have to do anything. It's warm enough in here." Staring blankly at her, Michelle and I could not believe our ears. "But we're wearing scarves and gloves and three coats." She obviously didn't care. "Maybe you need to bring a heavier coat," she said. Michelle and Timoni already bought gloves so their hands wouldn't freeze. There's definitely something wrong with this picture.
The point of this story is just that people these days seem to be very egregious for no apparent reason. If the nazi temperature lady had an ounce of sympathy for us, but still could not change the situation, I would have graciously accepted my plight and returned to warming my hands over the back of the computer. But instead she chose to be especially egregious and treat me like a criminal for even suggesting we turn up the heat a mere one degree. This should be a lesson this season. Does it really hurt you to be nice?????
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Word of the Day: Chatological
Definition: There isn't one.
I can't believe I've gone this long without introducing my favorite Tuesday afternoon activity. Same place. Same time. Washington Post, 12pm. Gene Weingarten, the funniest man at the Post holds an Internet Chat called Chatological Humor aka Tuesdays with Moron. I have become a regular observer of Gene's chat over the last two years and if I don't read at least part of it by COB Tuesday I know my priorities are out of order.
Last week, Gene's readers suggested a FAQ page to explain to new chatters why this chat is worth your time. And believe me, it is. My favorite q&a:
Q. Isn't this The Washington Post? Why hasn't Gene been fired?
A. We're not sure. Maybe next week.
I've definitely wondered over time why Gene hasn't been fired, but his is the most entertaining and fun chat on the Post, so I say keep him! Check it out (but only if you're bored).
Other good news today: I got a ticket to Germany for New Years! So excited. It's only 14 days until I leave for Oregon for Christmas and I'm so excited to see my neice and nephew and cousin's baby. This year has been a year full of blessings. And our small group Christmas Party is on Saturday so we're decorating the Christmas tree tonight and I'm really excited for that.
I can't believe I've gone this long without introducing my favorite Tuesday afternoon activity. Same place. Same time. Washington Post, 12pm. Gene Weingarten, the funniest man at the Post holds an Internet Chat called Chatological Humor aka Tuesdays with Moron. I have become a regular observer of Gene's chat over the last two years and if I don't read at least part of it by COB Tuesday I know my priorities are out of order.
Last week, Gene's readers suggested a FAQ page to explain to new chatters why this chat is worth your time. And believe me, it is. My favorite q&a:
Q. Isn't this The Washington Post? Why hasn't Gene been fired?
A. We're not sure. Maybe next week.
I've definitely wondered over time why Gene hasn't been fired, but his is the most entertaining and fun chat on the Post, so I say keep him! Check it out (but only if you're bored).
Other good news today: I got a ticket to Germany for New Years! So excited. It's only 14 days until I leave for Oregon for Christmas and I'm so excited to see my neice and nephew and cousin's baby. This year has been a year full of blessings. And our small group Christmas Party is on Saturday so we're decorating the Christmas tree tonight and I'm really excited for that.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Word of the Day: Friendship
n.
The quality or condition of being friends.
A friendly relationship
Friendliness; good will
This weekend was Kim's birthday and I can't go without saying a few words about my friend Kimmy. On Saturday morning we went to brunch to celebrate her birthday at the cutest French place in Georgetown. All the girls were there, including our token Jew, and it was the best time. Saturday night we went to a party at AC's house, which is where this photo was taken. On Sunday Kim and I went to church together at my old fav Fairfax Community. The best thing about Kim is that she's always willing to let me drag her wherever I'm going and she rarely, maybe never, complains about it if it was boring, odd, stupid or a just plain waste of time. She shares my love of sarcasm and cynicism and even good Thai food. So here's to Kim and her 27th year on this planet. Love ya Kim.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Word of the Day: tendentious
tendentious \ten-DEN-shus\, adjective:
Marked by a strong tendency in favor of a particular point of view.
Holiday or Christmas??
What's with all the recent "sensitivity" to pleasing (or at least not offending) every religion in the world? The debate is so heated this year that the media has even resorted to calling Christmas trees by their secular name, a Holiday Tree. The national Christmas tree took a stand this year by being name the National Christmas Tree for the first time since 1990 when it started being known as the National Holiday Tree.
Let's not forget that if Jesus were not born we'd not even have a Christmas. What are we supposed to call it -- Mohammadmas? This issue ignites my exasperation at a society that has become almost too pitiful to live in. First we have to remove the word God from the pledge and now we have to call it a holiday tree? I don't think so. Take God out of life all you want, but you're still going to be sorry for it in the end.
I have to go decorate my Christmas Tree now. (okay not really...I live in a condo, where am I going to put a tree?)
Marked by a strong tendency in favor of a particular point of view.
Holiday or Christmas??
What's with all the recent "sensitivity" to pleasing (or at least not offending) every religion in the world? The debate is so heated this year that the media has even resorted to calling Christmas trees by their secular name, a Holiday Tree. The national Christmas tree took a stand this year by being name the National Christmas Tree for the first time since 1990 when it started being known as the National Holiday Tree.
Let's not forget that if Jesus were not born we'd not even have a Christmas. What are we supposed to call it -- Mohammadmas? This issue ignites my exasperation at a society that has become almost too pitiful to live in. First we have to remove the word God from the pledge and now we have to call it a holiday tree? I don't think so. Take God out of life all you want, but you're still going to be sorry for it in the end.
I have to go decorate my Christmas Tree now. (okay not really...I live in a condo, where am I going to put a tree?)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)