Pondering about my family

I'm in Schmersey because my sister is home for a week and I wanted to greet her at the airport with my pops. As they happily bonded over the St. Olaf cold weather, traditions, and academic life (my sister goes to my father's alma mater) I noted how her college choice is yet another thing that aligns her with my father- another similarity. To elaborate- it's like our family is divided down the center- me with my mom, and my sis with my dad. Not that we don't all get along. But here is goes--

My mom and I are both Lefties.
My dad and sis- both Right handed.

Mom and I- both artists.
Dad and sis- are writers who dabble in art.

Mom and I- names start with an "M"
Dad and sis- with a "J"

Mom and I- hazel eyes
Dad and sis- blue

Mom and I have darker hair
Dad and sis- blondies

anyway, the list goes and I find it sort of eerie. Is this the case with other 4 person families?

Pondering

I decided to take my Pentax 35mm for a spin a few weeks ago and get back to my photography roots (haha-- I'm referring to the 3 photo classes I took in college). I definitely appreciated having more control than my lamo Panasonic point and shoot.. and the ability to play with focus, depth of field and exposure excited me although based on the prints, I didn't push that enough. I need to be in the zone when taking pictures and most of this roll is from photographing a street performer in Williamsburg while I was with two friends- i.e. not in the zone. But I got some decent shots and the colors were definitely richer than the point and shoot. However, not worth the $30 total for 2 rolls!! so yeah, I'm researching Digital SLRs and am probably going to choose between a Nikon and Canon around the $600 dollar range. Yikes. As an art buyer, I know that given the massive amount of photographers out there, it's probably not the most profitable hobby to pursue. I also can't say that I've always had a super passion for photography. Looking at photographs yes, but my first instinct on a Saturday afternoon is not to run off with my camera- although that's probably due to the cost. Learning about the art does, however, give me more information to do my job and is another needed creative outlet.

And eventually, once I get my DSLR, I'll delight and entertain my readers with my photos. Hopefully.

Obnoxious iPod Question

I'm getting an iPod Nano from someone who got it as a gift and am giving my current nano to my sis. This is an awesome gift considering I've had bad luck with electronics (almost makes up for me breaking my computer screen last year). And makes up for all the bad luck I've had with hmm.. getting a full time job in 06-07, money, friends, health.. and whatever else. I suppose this is a reminder of karma coming back around my way (the good parts) and I'm very thankful.

So should I get the red, blue, black, or silver? Decisions, decisions. At least the red one benefits Africa right? Knowing me, I'll probably find a leather case to attach it to so I can work out.. woohoo 1,000 more songs! It was getting to be too time consuming narrowing down my playlists to 1,000.

Spinning Funnies

Probably one of those had to be theres.. but at the end of my spinning class, my teacher announced that he's putting together a jump rope class for the spring. My response to the whole class- "would there be double dutch?"

"haha, no-- you're funny."

"Ha, ha I just wanted to be the one holding the rope."

Number 2-- they're having a bikini contest in the summer. This isn't a normal gym activity. One of the regulars organized it last year basically to motivate herself to get in shape.. and man.. let me tell you.. she looks amazing. So she's been trying to get me to commit to joining the contest. Apparently according to her, if I lost X amount of weight, I could be even cuter than I already am, and meet whom ever.. to which I informed her that I'm quite happy. Okay, maybe that's partially a lie. Anyway, she proclaimed I had to give up cheese. (how did she know?!)

So at the end of class, only me and a few others.. talking about the contest, etc. and she looks u about to bug me to commit to it, so I make a run for it, leaving them cracking up.

Self Portraits

The people I babysat for last night have an amazingly large, beautiful mirror in the entrance hallway so I had a little fun. I like how my camera flash makes it seem like I'm holding a ball of light. I got this dress at Forever 21. I love the shape and would love to find another one in a different color but bought it a few months ago. These are my favorite boots from Anne Klein. Perhaps shoes that have lasted the longest without having to get any repairs.. a whole 2 years I think.

Today I went to the Frick Museum on the Upper East side. It was inspiring and relaxing. On my way home, I found a small probably plastic four leaf clover, fake diamond pendant. I figured it was plastic but wanted to check with someone anyway. So sucking up my pride, walked into Barney's and ended up having a really nice conversation with a woman at the jewelry counter. She also has a knack for finding shiny objects and we both agreed that despite it not having any value, it was good luck. I can't say it has brought me anything yet since I managed to miss the subway by 5 seconds. But c'est la vie and we'll see.

More Symphonics

Symphonics Live - Shawn Randall (right)



Annekei singing my favorite song of hers- 100 Sq. Feet

Rebecca Lee Lerman


Spokinn Movement

Dana Parish (not pictured)

100th Post- Symphonics LIVE

Just saw another amazing performance by the Symphonics LIVE, an eclectic mix of singers and musicians produced by the very talented, kind and inspiring Shawn Randall. There's something about this powerful mix of performances that I found to be both inspiring and healing. God is in music. Music helps me transcend to a higher self. Look at the bigger picture. Appreciate life and recognize the importance of those who can share their gift of music with us. Their performances were from the heart. And I thank them from the bottom of my heart, for sharing theirs.

With Love,
MKA

Free Money

woohoo. Hope this plan goes through.. they say it would be in the mail around June.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- American taxpayers would get checks of several hundred dollars from the government under a plan to stimulate the economy, sources said Thursday.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is the administration's point person for the economic stimulus plan.

Congressional leaders of both parties were still talking with their membership to sell the plan, sources said.

Sources on Capitol Hill and at the Treasury Department said congressional and White House negotiators agreed upon checks of $600 per individual and $1,200 per couple.

Trying to Move On

I walked by the apartment where he was found today. I probably should have brought flowers. I'm still distraught. Like many others, I don't know why his death resonates and upsets me so much. Maybe because he's one of the few people from "my generation" to have such an untimely death. I can only imagine what my parents went through when they found out about JFK, John Lennon, etc. He definitely had a kind face and seemed like an all around good guy. I think that's what was so hard about it. Michelle looked like a nice, down to earth person as well, and of course his daughter.. eesh. It's just still shocking. I guess that's life and certainly makes me thankful for my health and of course, the gift of life. It seems like these last two years, I've been witness to many very surprising and untimely deaths. Of course all deaths are untimely. But my coworker, my sister's friend, another girl from her school who drowned. It's hard to make sense of things. But perhaps we need these sad times to emphasis the good. Like maybe they are a sacrifice- as horrible as that sounds, but that their deaths may take us in a new direction. Put our problems in perspective. Realize the importance of family, of love. And maybe change us. As a collective group. As individuals. I don't know.

Moving On

Okay, so not to sound like I'm JA's biggest fan, but her latest article in Time Out about moving on from Ex Boyfriends really resonated with me. I finally managed to delete two people off of my myspace page. I hope one's profile is private so I don't end up obsessively checking it now that he's removed. AND I delete all emails to and from another guy. I'm hoping I can't remember his email.. or at least the removal of it is enough to prevent me from emailing him. And I delete his number. I actually feel really good about this. Despite the fact that he made sure I got home okay when I was throwing up on New Year's, I still don't think he was good for me. Maybe I'll politely say that we weren't a match, but really, he was sort of a jerk. I still think that not responding to emails, phone calls or texts (and we're talking polite, not too often) is an asshole, disrespectful thing to do. But I'm going to forgive him and move on. Yeah, it feels good.

Washington Square Park

They found bones while doing the renovations for Washington Square Park. That's pretty freaking cool. I mean with all due respect to the dead that are buried there. But with all construction and newer, modern buildings, it's a good reminder that there's so much forgotten history. I should definitely take a walking tour or NYC history class. That's on my list of things to do. What's also interesting is how the city develops.. and parts don't develop. Like for instance-- this is me talking out of my ass because I really can't say this for sure.. but I bet there are tons of places in Brooklyn and the outer edges of Manhattan that are up and coming or have been hot for a while because they are beautiful brown stones. But the reason why they have remained as brownstones, possibly recently restored ones, is because the area wasn't desirable enough back in the mid 20th century to tear them down and replace them with modern high rises or condos. So what's old is unique and cool.

Discovery Channel has a great DVD Series called "We Built This City," that has in depth details of how NYC, Paris and London were built. It's very interesting stuff, also perfect tidbits - sort of useful at cocktail parties. Like for instance, boats were buried to make landfills in lower Manhattan and that most of the outer, bottom edges of the island are made from landfill. Or that one guy decided to create a grid system- forgot when- maybe early 1800's and his system involved tearing down 40% of existing land. Or that Central Park is a completely man made structure including complicated, underground water pumping. AND, Paris is unable to have skyscrapers at least in the center of their city, because their foundations are like swiss cheese. Hundreds of years ago, they ran out of room to bury their dead, so they started carving out the lime underground to create catacombs. Can't remember anything off hand about London but I wish they produced features on other cities. I'm hooked.

Twighlight Zone

I still feel like this is the twighlight zone. I'm going to try and get some sleep.

Still Sad

so now they're saying that it could have been an accident. I don't know what's worse.. an accident of suicide. I guess I'd have to say that suicide is worse because it sort of brings shame on the family.. and would make everyone feel guilty for not know something was wrong. Although I don't know how someone makes that kind of mistake unless they had 4 or 5. We'll find out.

Anyway, my heart greatly goes out to his family and friends. I'll say a prayer for him and his family.

Heath Ledger

Wow...this is just really sad and unexpected. I'm trying not to cry because it's not like I knew him personally or anything. (I changed my post out of respect because there's talk that he had pneumonia and it was an accident).

I hope it brings things in perspective once again regarding Britney and also Amy Winehouse. It actually seems like Lindsay's got her act together for now. People really want to push Britney over the edge but hopefully this will remind them of the obvious- that once she falls, there's no going back. There's no more story. No one to chase. No more pictures of her. If they can't treat her with any respect, at least they can look at the financial reasons why not to push her over the edge.

eeesh. I'm going out for a nice dinner cause it's restaurant week and I'm trying to get this out of my mind.. but it's hard. Really sad. How does one get over this? It's not like it was someone close.. sort of like when my coworker died unexpectedly which was only about 2 months ago.

Williamsburg is Cool

Today I stood out in the cold for a solid two hours photographing a street performer on Bedford Avenue with my two buddies. At one point, the three of us ran into a bodega, rubbing our hands, trying to prevent eminent frost bite. Wow, so Williamsburg is really cool. Can't you tell I'm not exactly the best person to ask what neighborhoods are up and coming as I proclaim Williamsburg is cool four years later. All those times wandering around Soho and the Flat Iron during the weekends and feeling totally disappointed was such a waste when I could have been in Brooklyn. So many neighborhoods in Manhattan have become over priced malls. I definitely want to explore more of Brooklyn and Queens preferably when the weather gets nicer. Without a doubt, I'm definitely going to live in Brooklyn at some point in my life. Either Park Slope, Williamsburg or Brooklyn Heights.

Sexy Butts

Me last night: "When my sister was in first grade, she thought sex was when people smooshed their butts together."

friend: "Wow, thank god that's not the case because I'd get pregnant every time I rode the subway."

me: "And you'd never know who the father was."

So day two of my drinking didn't go by completely without a slight casualty. After my friend and I got multiple vanilla vodka w/ ginger ale's (in a pint glass!) care of the bartender, we decided it was the perfect photo opp. Ah, there's always humor in the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. I'd be impressed if someone could get us in the same frame. Me- excessively short, member of the 5 ft. 1 club. Her, super tall, member of the 5 ft. 10 or 11 club. Anyway, the real photo opp would have been us sprawled on the ground after falling over- due to a combination of the cocktail, uneven floor, height difference, and my too tall heels.

BUT, last night was super fun. I laughed so hard I nearly cried.

Off for some new adventures!

More Ice skating!

Today I taught the most adorable 4 year old boy and 6 year old girl how to skate, or at least tried to. It's definitely gratifying to see them improve. And a nice reminder that there's more to life than work, going out and the various activities of a 26 year old. Cool to be around people (their parents) in that stage of life, and a successful, kind couple on top of that. Afterwards, I walked home from Chelsea Piers and stopped at Chelsea Market for some hot chocolate.

I'm glad my parents raised me in the burbs. There are so many opportunities I had, ice skating lessons, arts and crafts, birthdays at rollerskating rinks, etc. that would have been nearly impossible to have living in NYC unless my parents were loaded. I'm also lucky they indulged my interests without pressure to become a champion figure skater or famous artist. I'm surprised my dad kept his cool and didn't explode with something like.. "we've spent x on your skating lessons and you still can't do a scratch spin!!!!" I'll remember that for when I have kids.

Drinking and Dancing

I had fun last night drinking and dancing with some new friends. Very cool people. Although I kept trying to curb my drinking and felt guilty about each new drink. They were like- we don't understand, it's Friday night. And I'm like, yeah, but me and alcohol don't get along. But what I really meant, and I forgot to say, was I have to teach little kids how to ice skate tomorrow (today) and ice skating and hung over don't mix. Fortunately, I feel pretty good today and am ready to twirl around. I'm a little worried as to how I'm going to survive two more nights of drinking. In my defense, I usually have about 3 drinks. But pretty much every time I go out, I end up getting a free shot or drink which usually messes up my 3 drink limit. Last night included from my favorite bartender.

Overheard New York

Heard this as I was coming back from the gym.

Cute, stylish girl to her friend: "Remember when we ate marshmallows and it came out my diarrea."

Missed Connection Boy

This one's long so pay attention. Back in the summer, I had one of those picture perfect, craigslist missed connections. I was on the downtown 6 train, got on at 42nd street. And smiled at this guy. He smiled back and we kept looking up, smiling, blushing, then looking down. It was beautiful. I haven't blushed that much since high school. I got so shy that I buried myself in my iPod. Yes, pretending to intensely search for a song can come in handy. Meanwhile, I had my personal business card ready to go. I wasn't about to let this one slip but figured I could only do it if I got off first. Well, he got off, and I was too slow/shy. He did say goodbye at least.

I ran home and posted a lovely Missed Connection including girl wearing dress, looking at guy with glasses, etc. Tell me what color my dress was. And right away I got a response from someone who was wearing glasses and correctly guessed my dress color. We exchanged pictures. I couldn't entirely tell if it was him, but right away he knew I wasn't the right gal. So already I'm thinking this sucks ass. I really need to get braver and hand out my card.. but wait. How crazy is it that there are 2 missed connection people. Two guys wearing glasses, checking out girls wearing brown dresses and the two people are smart enough for craigslist but not the other two. So naturally I looked him up on facebook.. and as if things couldn't get more ridiculous, he graduated from the same very small mid western college that my dad went to and my sister currently attends. I've never met anyone else from that college in my life.

AND to bring things full circle--- he was at the ice skating event. Score. But yeah, it wasn't a match. He's too young for me. I could definitely see the look of recognition in his eyes but I didn't feel like bringing up the embarrassing story. But yeah, good story right.

Ice Skating in the Rain

So it's just been one of those days. I apologize to anyone I may have inflicted my frustration and negativity on. But you know, bad things happen in threes. The original plan for this evening was to go ice skating with my dad at Wollman rink for his alumni event. Great idea and I was looking forward to it. Of course the weather said it was supposed to rain/snow but since they've been saying that for days and that hasn't happened, I ignored the reports. Fast forward to 5:30 and I'm all excited to leave, ice skates in tow. Walk outside and it's raining. Shit. I text my dad but don't get a hold of him so I walk home in the rain. I'm already cranky from bad shit #1 that happened earlier that day but my dad went straight to the rink and tried to convince me to join him. I looked at the mail and contemplated staying in and reading magazines.. but then the possibility of meeting cute, mid western guys ultimately got me moving. So of course I take the subway one stop too far. And have to go back. And get out only to realize that the rink is closer to the East side and I should have gotten off where I did originally. Grr. I finally get there after completely destroying my shoes.. don't ask me why boots didn't seem like the logical choice. And walking about a 1/2 mile in the wrong direction 10 times. And yes, it was raining/snowing and still is!

I guess it ended up being sort of fun. The amount of attractive gentlemen in that small room (warming tent w/ goodies) far exceeded those in my entire college. Everyone seemed down to earth and Minnesota nice which made me resent my college choice even more than I always have. And when they broke out into their St. Olaf fighting cheer, I really felt it. Should have at least gone to a college with a football team! But wait, I'm supposed to focus on the present and future, and not dwell on the past. grrr.

The icing on ...the ice, was that the guards made us go Clockwise. I've been ice skating for 22 years and have never been to an ice skating rink where the sole direction was Clockwise! grr. I was still the best girl on the ice!

Exhibit A. The hat that I stupidly left at home that should have been on my head as I got rained on!

Exhibit B. The Skates that I got in.. hmmm... 6th Grade and sort of still fit. I prefer the pain of them being too small rather than breaking in a new pair.

Exhibit C. The jeans that are completely soaked. Still trying to warm up.

Exhibit D. My shoes that are probably destroyed from the rain. Note the excessive amount of purple. I'm trying to get a handle on that.

Lower East Side- Old School

My mom sent me this link. Great images of the LES from back in the day. I feel like some of the buildings look familiar. Anyone recognize them as popular LES bars? It sort of adds value to taking photos of potentially mundane street scenes because in 10-15 years, those images can be a record of New York history. Maybe I'll hit up the Museum of the City of New York this weekend.

http://www.nyc-architecture.com/SPEC/GAL-LES.htm

Yoga

Yoga was beautiful today. She put on this super relaxing music-- obviously.. but it made me think of the kind of Celtic? music they would play after an epic battle scene as they panned over the dead bodies and there was complete post-battle peace. Any how, it some how reminded me that I seriously need a vacation. Preferably somewhere tropical, where I could just lay on the beach with quiet, interesting people, nothing superficial or touristy. Just an escape and chance to (cliche alert) get back to nature. Maybe some skinny dipping.. romance.. or definitely only 1-2 people that I know really well. No awkward, get to know you conversations. I should seriously consider a long weekend despite my limited funds. You only live once and I haven't had a vacation that included travel since September 2006, although I just went to another city.. so it wasn't really an escape.

Other current feelings. The cold is increasing my desire for a boyfriend. Grrr.. It's pretty impossible to escape the- I want to stay in and cuddle with a guy while it's cold outside- mentality. I'd much rather date someone during the cold weather. Well obviously I'd like to find someone I'm happy with year round! But I've definitely been in situations during the summer where I'm dating a guy, but don't want him near me cause it's so hot!

I've also been in a "transitional" period with people I've been friends with for a long time. On the one hand, I feel more at peace not fighting with them or feeling let down on a regular basis. But on the other hand, I would really like to start off 2008 fresh, with no issues against anyone or bad feelings. Back to my quote from the other day, I'm trying not to focus on the past, but I don't think my story with them is finished. Most people would smartly walk away from any confrontation but I have the tendency to do the opposite. Like nothing is resolved. I want to change people first. But obviously that's stupid, unlikely and not fair. The last few weeks have proved that there are enough cool people out there and I should allow myself to be a little less loyal if it means finding the right people. Quality time with people over length of friendship if that makes sense.

Good Golly Miss Molly

oh yeah, that's my name. And according to Urban Dictionary--(thank you he who talks about his family too much).

3.	Molly	45 up, 34 down
	Noun. term used to describe a hot chick. Usually a girl in her twenties. Different than a woman in her thirties which is a cougar. Luis: Hey Rob, check out that Molly by the bar. Rob: Dude, she's bangin'. tags chick girl hot good looking female by Suavemente Los Angeles Aug 9, 2007 email it

Great, so I have about 4 more years before I become a cougar. But yeah, I'm hot. Word.

Wanderings and Ponderings

Perhaps my last posting was prophetic. It's like I'm using "the secret." We'll see. Fingers crossed.

So yeah, I got a hair cut on Friday cause my hair was the longest it's ever been and I was sick of dealing with it. But I stupidly had her cut too much and now it's in the in between stage. Who the hell wants hair in the in between stage. I just got it cut, but yeah, I'm growing it out. Grrr. I can't get it perfectly straight but then if I have it half curly, it's not enough to get weighed down. I have to figure it all out. Maybe I'll eventually end up embracing my curls.

Ad News

Good Time to Find a Job in Advertising -- for Now

Industry Employment up in Best Showing Since 2001

By Bradley Johnson

Published: January 14, 2008

CHICAGO (AdAge.com) -- Things are looking up for advertising employment -- at least for the moment.

U.S. ad industry employment in November reached a post-recession high of 1.64 million, the best showing since the economic recovery began in late 2001, according to Ad Age DataCenter's analysis of the latest jobs figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The ad industry saw November job gains vs. year earlier and vs. October in both advertising/marketing services and media, the two groupings that Ad Age uses to define industry employment.

Hottest sector
Advertising/marketing-services employment broke a record in November, surpassing its December 2000 bubble-era peak. Hottest sector? Marketing consulting, where employment has jumped 8.7% over the past year and 66.7% since 2000.

Whether industry job gains continue is a question mark given signs of a weakening economy.

Media employment, weighed down by cuts in newspaper jobs, is still 11.8% below its 2000 peak. The hottest media sector: internet media companies, where employment rocketed 24.2% over the past year. (It's worth noting, though, that employment at internet media companies -- 45,100 in November -- is still 12.1% below its peak in the 2000 bubble, when ill-fated dot-coms staffed up with little regard to revenue or profits.)

Under Ad Age DataCenter definitions, advertising/marketing services consists of ad, media, direct and public-relations agencies; graphic design; marketing consultancies; market research; and other ad/marketing services. Media employment consists of TV, radio, newspaper, magazine and internet media companies.

Wednesday Morning

Dude, why is it so hard for me to wake up before 8?? My parents are early birds-- not the crazy 5am kind but they definitely wake up at 7ish regardless of the day. I'm waiting for that whole adult, internal clock thing to tick in. Maybe I should go to sleep early.. or later? Or get more quality sleep- i.e. not hear my heater the entire night.

A Reminder

"A person who sets his or her mind on the dark side of life, who lives over and over the misfortunes and disappointments of the past prays for similar misfortunes and disappointments in the future. If you will see nothing but ill luck in the future, you are praying for such ill luck and will surely get it." Prentice Mulford.

Belated Post

Saturday night I slept over at my parent's house to visit some high school friends. It was fun. We went to an Afgan restaurant that had a unique history behind it. Basically the owner escaped his country, got to the US and worked his way up from a bus boy to open his dream restaurant. It's actually connected to a well loved pizza place. So nearly all my high school friends who have been dating the same person for over a year are now engaged. Let's see.. 3 out of 6 are engaged.. The clock is ticking. Good thing I don't even have a boyfriend right now! I took my friend to Tiffany's on Saturday and she "schooled me" on ring sizes, cut, color, etc. Despite my interest in fashion, art and design, I have no knowledge or interest in fine jewelry. Instead, it's my friend who doesn't wear makeup, care about fashion, rarely wears heels, and has studied things like bio-medical engineering, who is the expert.

So on Sunday, I slowly woke up. At some point, I was on my back and before I could open my eyes, I felt a sharp pain directly on my nipple. A second later the pain moves on to my other nipple. I open my eyes to see Mischief the cat, walking on my body as if it were an extension on furniture, on the way to the window.

Good morning!

Not Justified

This is great. So stupid, drunken "stars" like Paris, Lindsay, Britney, and Nicole Richie can get days or minutes of jail time for endangering the lives of others by driving under the influence- but a track star, Marion Jones, lies to federal prosecutors and she gets 6 months of jail time. They argue it's cause she's a role model for others. Granted, they do have a point. She's much more of a role model than the above girls.. anyone that continues to emulate them has bigger problems. But still.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/01/11/jones.doping/index.html

Twins Marry

this gives new meaning to incest. Brings up interesting questions.. Does this mean these people have a lot of self love? attracted to their own genes? Self-involved.. haha, did they have sex? They say couples tend to look alike and search for physical similarities. Seriously. They are the poster children for that theory.

I'm done. This blows my mind.

Separated-at-birth twins get married

Fri Jan 11, 12:15 PM ET

LONDON (AFP) - Twins who were separated at birth and adopted by different sets of parents later married each other without realising they were brother and sister, a peer has told the House of Lords.

David Alton, an independent, pro-life member of the Lords, said the brother and sister were granted an annulment after a high court judge ruled that the marriage had never validly existed.

The Catholic politician -- who discovered the case after talking to a judge -- used it to highlight perceived deficiencies in the government's proposed Human Embryology and Tissues Bill, which is currently going through parliament.

The bill is designed to make it easier for lesbian and gay couples to have children through assisted reproduction, recognising same-sex partners as legal parents of babies conceived through donated sperm, eggs or embryos.

But it contains no provision to require the identity of the donor to be disclosed, potentially meaning a child could not be told they were conceived by assisted reproduction.

Alton raised the case of the married twins -- who were born after IVF treatment -- during a debate on December 10, details of which only appeared on Friday.

"There are implications for everybody involved, but the needs of the child will always be paramount, and it is right that we should therefore make the process as transparent as possible," Alton told the Lords.

IVF -- which increases the chances of multiple births -- meant such cases could become more common if the law does not require children to be told they were donor conceived and have access to their genetic history, he said.

"The right of children to know the identity of their biological parents is a human right," he added Friday.

"There will be more cases like this if children are not given access to the truth. The needs of the child must always be paramount."

The identities of the twins and details of their relationship and marriage have been kept secret, but it was known they were separated soon after birth and never told they were twins.

They only discovered they were blood relatives after the wedding.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080111/wl_uk_afp/britainchildrenadoptionmarriage

Round and round

Today I went to a free training session at Crunch.. a New Year's/ holiday present they offered. It was awesome. I really haven't worked out other than spinning, yoga and running.. haven't done core stuff or weight lifting. I have a feeling I'll have trouble lifting my arms. Now I just need to remember what I did.. some plank stuff, jump roping, squats, lunges, pilates type sit ups, and that's all I remember. Have to also remember to keep my abs in, support my core.

Then if that wasn't enough, I had my other favorite spinning class with Karen. The class had 3 times more people than usual cause of the new year, which gave it an awesome energy. Everyone was really into it. When my absolute favorite song came on, One, by U2 and Mary J came on, the whole class sang to it, and waved their arms like they had a lighter. That song has an amazing ability to make me forget about the pain of the ridiculous tension. I really hope it doesn't rain tomorrow night and conflict with my going out/dancing plans. I'm pumped!

Workout Playlist

I need to update my workout playlist. I keep skipping songs.. need to delete them. Perhaps this owuld help.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/10/fashion/10fitness.html?ref=style

Busy Busy

I've been pretty busy lately so instead of repeating other strange dreams or what's on my mind, here's some cool shit OTHER people are doing.

a friends boss's restaurant- IZ good.

http://events.nytimes.com/2008/01/09/dining/reviews/09unde.html?ex=1200546000&en=fccbd1d1912751e1&ei=5070&emc=eta1

A friend of a friend livin IKEA style.

http://www.marklivesinikea.com

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/media?id=5876138

In Da Club

Went to an advertising event and met some cool people, had fun. It's a small world. We're all connected.. always continue to find weird connections and I'm sure that will keep happening the longer I live in the city and am in the industry. Cool stuff.

Paranormal State

I'm watching this show on A&E.. by myself. Roommate isn't here. This is going to be rough. Not the smartest idea.

Like a Prayer

Today my spinning teacher said he wanted everyone to go home and pray for Britney Spears and her kids. Seriously, that's not a bad idea. So to all my.. errr.. readers, I ask you to please pray for her. What would happen if everyone did.. if there was a movement to do so? What would happen if Al Gore got involved? Would prayer and support have the power to save her? Not that I lose sleep over this stuff, but it does pain me to see her being so self destructive. What is the media really waiting for? Her to commit suicide? Harm her kids? Make an example of herself so Paris, Lindsay, etc. clean up their act? Her rise to fame and self destruction is a classic story, but it seems like we have the power to prevent the classic ending. She, like many writers and performers throughout our history, is probably a victim of manic depression and clearly needs treatment.

Self Portrait

A self portrait from freshman year of college, made out of hole punched dots from magazines.

Dreaming

So I had a very vivid and disturbing dream. I dreamed that I brought in a jewelry box to work for some odd reason, and someone actually stole it along with other jewelry.. like with a gun, very dramatic, etc. But of course it wasn't really at work. And the person who ended up stealing it was my very nice, mild mannered coworker who sits near me.... sooo nice. But he was all, "give me your stuff, I need the money to pay off my debt." Maybe this stemmed from a conversation that people were going into debt after buying Christmas presents. Then throughout my entire dream story, I was near tears about everything that was stolen from me- more cause of sentimental value. I'm not going to go into the rest of the dream but man, it was quite vivid and interesting .

blah, so I was peep pressured to drink last night, and since I was at a bar, with a bunch of serious drinkers.. I gave in. Had 3 drinks over probably a 4 hour period. I had fun and don't regret the drinking, but my stomach is still not 100% and I think my liver still needs a serious break.

Workin It

I just got back from one of my favorite spinning classes thanks to a friend who threatened me if I didn't go. And after the class, I was interviewed for a story by a weekly magazine why I come to the class, gym, etc. And of course they asked me what my New Year's Resolution was. Wow.. funny how this is really the first year I writing down resolutions and now it just keeps coming up. I told her that one of them is to get in shape, so yeah.. if that generic quote is used, then a few million people will know that I want to get in shape. If that's not motivation, then I don't know what is.

Tummy Aches and Self Reflection

Blah, my tummy still aches. I want someone to give me Alka-Seltzer when my tummy aches (Gym Class Heroes, Cupid's Chokehold). And thank god my roommate is not staying at the apartment this week because her heat doesn't work, again... and her whole side of the apartment is about 40 degrees. Burr. And for the record, my resolution not to drink for a week is going strong. My friends and I had sushi last night and they tried to tempt me with warm sake and a lychee martini, but I strongly stood by my no drinking decision!

I was talking to a friend about New Year's Resolutions. I normally don't do them because they seem pointless when so many of us give them up after a month. As adults, it's hard for us to change our behavior with anything. You can't expect to make a list once a year with your desired changes and expect to follow it. If you look at methods we use to change ourselves- the gym, AA, rehab, diet meetings, religion, education, yoga, etc. all of these methods involve daily or weekly reinforcement. SO I guess I should re-read my resolutions daily? Say them aloud? Brainwash myself? Or accept who I am and what I cannot change. But yeah, I would rather constantly evolve and improve myself so those resolutions will be by my side. In perhaps one of the various journals my family bought me for Christmas. Were they trying to tell me something? Encouraging me to write in those instead of my blog? Or do they realize I have a lot on my mind? Stay warm!

Ringing in 2008 errr My Way

I haven't updated my blog because I was busy doing other things- i.e. throwing up every 30 minutes! Oy Vey. I finally feel better this morning. The craziness all started Monday night when I was in the subway on the way to a New Year's Eve party. Two tourists are on the subway, and they ask this guy how to get to Time's Square. Too bad they're going the complete opposite way and didn't realize this for about 3 stops. I remarked on this to the 3rd guy after they left just to be polite.. and he asked me where I was from. I noticed his fly was undone but didn't think anything of it. Then he said I was beautiful. I said thanks, and looked down, pretending to be absorbed in my iPod. Next thing I know, he moves to a seat facing forward, puts up his knees.. and I see his hand going up and down in a ... err.. JERK OFF kind of motion. Ahhhh. Of course I moved my seat and thank god he didn't follow me. My roommate said she sees guys doing this kind of thing all the time, and now I believe her.

Fast forward to 3 hours into the party and I'm awesome at flip cup. This time it's "survivor" flip cup meaning you vote off your worst player and then someone has to go twice. Since I'm so good I only got voted off once and was often nominated to go twice. My proudest moment (or perhaps in retrospect, biggest downfall) was when I actually had 4 cups to flip against 4 people. And I took one of the opposite team DOWN! Anyway, I never made it to parties two or three, never got to dance or meet up with my two other girlfriends. Sometime after this moment, I found myself sitting down, dizzy, and feeling drunker than I've ever been. My ex actually came to my rescue and took me home in a cab, forcing me to drink water, and holding the plastic bag in the cab while I threw up in it. So this was, believe it or not, the first time EVER someone has had to take me home. First time EVER, and hopefully last, that I've thrown up at night. A whole new level of alcohol poisoning.

Yeah, so I pretty much slept all of yesterday cause it was the only way I could stop myself from throwing up. I actually went to sleep around 8:30 which I knew was risky since I had been sleeping all day. Woke up around 12:30 am and at least had time to finally write my New Year's Resolutions (thanks sis for the Notes, Lists, Plans book). I've definitely jump started the weight loss one.. with a 5 pound weight loss due to throwing up and not eating anything. (JB- we're on!) And I think that was a good way to say goodbye to alcohol for a while. Can you say detox!

Great, I'm watching the Today's Show, and they're doing a segment on medical myths that are wrong, like drinking 8 glasses of water, reading under dim light, using 10% of our brain, etc. For the record, I believe this article was in the paper, on another Today's Show episode, and probably on Yahoo.com. I suppose this is an effect of the writer's strike? Running out of material!

Anyway- Happy Back to Work today!