Case closed.

Well, folks, this is a bittersweet moment: the Slither case has finally cracked.

After years of diligently and relentlessly questioning my Mom (lead suspect), she finally broke during my last trip to Wisconsin and more or less admitted to doing away with Slither.  How she went about it, I'll never know. Nor care to know.

As we were driving through my childhood town, Carol (through fits of laughter no less) offered this confession...and I quote "You had that thing hooked to your arm and it totally creeped me out".

Slither, may you rest in peace.

About myself.

I know how much all eight (8) of my readers enjoy creations from my childhood, so I am once again opening the vault.

"About Myself" was written circa 4th grade and is a telling piece offering insight into the psyche that is, Jenny B.

(Additional commentary in red)

(I'm picking up on a theme of balls and mammals here)

My name is: Jenny Bulgrin (done. bring it)

Today I feel: hot but I'm happy (not dissimilar to the present)

Something special about me is: I smile a lot

My father always: take my family places (very vague, yet intriguing)

I'd rather: be playing than: at school (you asked)

I like teachers that: are nice (not falling into that trap!)

My favorite place to be is: Wisconsin Dells (minimal travel up to this point)

Something that bothers me is: nothing (untrue)

At our house we: play games before we go to bed (like "empty the dishwasher", "make your lunch"...)

Before I go to bed I like to: read (I am a busy little bee before bed)

When I'm alone: I practice baseball or soccer (Hard to do alone, I would imagine)

The most important people in the world are: my family (I had actually crossed out and replaced "person" with "people" and "is" with "are". I am nothing, if not fair)

I wish I could: go to France

Sometimes I like to: watch TV

I think school should be a place where: we have fun (hope you're taking notes)

I feel nervous when: there is a test (also, when you make me fill out these silly questionnaires)

I wish people wouldn't: give me homework (that's meant for you, teach. passive aggressive. classic)

It makes me angry when: I can't go somewhere (this includes: recess, the bathroom and France)

Better than anything, I like to: ride my bike (option b: not get homework)

I really get angry when: my brother is being weird (still true. also, lots of questions re: anger. profile much?)

I feel proud when: my mom and dad compliment me (what can I say, I am the oldest child)

This year, I hope: to get all A's (cleary with minimal effort i.e. no tests, less homework)

One thing I'd like to know about the teacher is: nothing (ha. take that. now, perhaps if you didn't give me tests...)

One thing I'd like the teacher to know about me is: nothing (haven't you pried enough?!)

Slither the Snake.

When I was little, my Grandpa took me to a garage sale and let me pick out one thing. Whatever I wanted.

I came home with something very similar to this:

The only difference was: mine was ten times cooler. About two feet high, a foot wide -- a black, coiled, (weighty) plastic cobra with ruby red eyes. Quite simply, awesome.

I carried it with me everywhere. Slinging it under my arm and waddling to and fro -- from friend's homes to playtime in the backyard to car rides to visit relatives. I hesitate to say I "played" with it. Because, let's be honest, there's not much you can do with a awkward-shaped reptile. And so it became more of a presence. Keeping watch in the corner as My Little Ponies frolicked and Cabbage Patch Kids got their hair braided. To be honest, I can't remember a single reaction from a friend or family member. Must have blocked that out.

Each night I slid open my closet door and put Slither into a small space I'd create for him. Each morning, his piercing eyes would greet me as I opened the door, and on we'd go.

Until one day. Slither went missing. I searched high and low for the entire day. Questioning my brothers, my mom, my dad. No trace. It was gently suggested that I'd misplaced him. I never saw Slither again.

The topic was recently broached at Thanksgiving. Everyone's still tight-lipped. A little suspicious if you ask me.

Which resulted in me sending this card:

The Big Merpod.

I'd like to preface by saying my story was not a cry for help. Not then. Not now.

I'd also like to give my teacher a little shout-out for not stifling my creativity by slapping me with the following charge: plagiarism.

Enjoy.

(Additional thoughts in red)

***

The mark of a great author. The dedication page...

***

Once upon a time there was a fat sixteen year old Big Merpod. Every time the Big Merpod passed a fish they all died, because her huge rear-end always bumped into them. Once time she was going to marry a man Merpod, but when they were about to kiss, the pressure of the kiss sent him flying, and he was never seen again. Her father, the Sea Ding, was so ashamed he sent her away to live with her friends, Pounder and Shepassion. One day she was bored, so she started to look for sea shells to wear.

***

(Look at those forearms!)

Then one day two pieces of seaweed swam up to her and told her to go to the Sea Snitch. She followed them to a dark, erie, Sears Tower (holla Chicago) under water. The Sea Snitch was on the top floor (the attic) (---in case "top floor" wasn't clear).



***

When they got there the Sea Snitch was an old, skinny, boney, women. The Big Merpod told the Sea Snitch all of her problems. The Sea Snitch said that she would make her thinner if she could have her nose, she had two big holes where her nose should be, Now that the Sea Snitch had her nose (I guess I just gave up on this sentence. Moving on...). The Sea Snitch said "I'll give you legs if you bring me something soon." (I love that the Sea Snitch couldn't be bothered to specify) "Alright, " said the Merpod. So the Merpod set out to find a prince. (natch).

***

She swam up to the surface. She saw the castle. There was one problem, so she swam down to tell the Sea Snitch. (Clearly I had forgotten to include a crucial part of the story. However, instead of erasing and re-writing this page, I actually wrote those three sentences. Bam.)

***

The Sea Snitch told her she had two days to get the prince to slap her. (say wha?) Otherwise she could never get married to the prince (I do not condone domestic abuse. Just, you know, for the record). So she swam back to the surface and went to the castle.

***

The prince saw her and fainted. The next day the prince got kind of used to her (the stuff dreams are made of, ladies). On the second day the prince went swimming. She sneaked up on him. She waited until they were very close to the pool. She almost didn't do it, but she remembered the Sea Snitch's Warning. So she scared him half to death. He jumped around and slapped her face (I'm now picturing the swimming area as the Jersey Shore and the Merpod as Snookie).

***


Then he quickly said he was sorry. He said maybe they could help her. "No, I don't think you can help, because the Sea Snitch has my nose," stated the Big Merpod (Obvi. Oh, men).

"I have an idea," said the Prince. "You go to the Sea Snitch and get your nose back. I'll give you gold coins so you keep your legs". (money really DOES buy happiness).

"Then swim back up here and we will put you on a diet". (true love!)

They did it, and then they got married and lived happily ever after.

***

Based on the rendering, my "dream" man rocks a comb-over and a canadian tuxedo.

Some things that are awesome. Part I.

I don't think an explanation is needed:

Awesome alone. Awesomer in a 6 pack:

I love Canada for their beverages. Canadian Dry and this:

Bigger is better. When referring to peanut butter and chocolate:

The ultimate getaway vehicle:

So obvious:

The song:

The sandwich:

A classic:

Speaking of:

Part II is in the works.

Photog.

I am teaching myself photography.

So I can ultimately fulfill my life's dream. Which is to stalk celebrities as a photog.

No, not really.

And by teaching myself I mean dragging my friend Bassam and his camera all around NYC. I think he's really enjoying it.

Here's a pic from a recent excursion. It's actually a photo Bassam took (obvi). But I think it for two reasons:
1. Way cool street - Minetta Lane, NYC.
2. It's proof I have yet to master the "cool" face.

Cut People Slack.

Read this interesting piece today...

The "fundamental attribution error" is a psychological phenomenon in which we tend to view other people's actions as reflections of their characters and tend to overlook the power of situation to influence their actions, whereas with ourselves, we recognize the pressures of circumstance. When other people's cell phones ring during a movie, it's because they're inconsiderate boors; if my cell phone rings during a movie, it's because I need to be able to take an emergency call.

I tried to remember not to judge people harshly, especially on the first or second encounter. Their actions might not reveal their enduring character but instead reflect some situation they find themselves in.

The Early Works.

I have opened the vault on this lovely Wednesday to share with you a Jenny B original.

I'll call it the "Early Works". Or more fittingly, I'll reference it by the title I gave it in 4th grade.

"The School's Alien"

The cover to my story:

Yes, I designed/created/glued it.

No, against "popular" speculation, it is not a self-portrait.

Inside cover:

My favorite? That I signed the back of the cover. You just never know when those go missing. Close second - that I divided a four page story into four parts. Genius.

Selected passages:

"We got to go out for recess. The alien was following me the whole time. We went inside. The alien was waiting by the window." (Part I: The School's Alien)

***

"The next morning at school the alien wasn't there. It seemed to have left. I asked if I could go outside and find the ring I dropped, even though I don't wear rings (author's note: this does not apply to VERY LARGE diamonds in case any of my seven readers were considering the gesture). When I got outside there was no sign of the alien. So I went back inside. The teacher asked 'Did you find your ring?' I said 'No'." (this was actually not so much a passage as all of Part II: The Alien Left)

***

"I was so happy that the alien left. When I got to school I smelled something unusual. Then I saw something behing the bushes. It was the alien. I ran into the school as fast as I could. Then I turned around and the alien had his back turned and was doing something. He turned around. He had a bomb in his hand. He threw it on the school." (again, the text is just too rich too condense at this point. I hope you enjoyed all of Part III: The Alien Returns)

***

"The Dream: I sat-up straight. Wow some dream!" (Part IV: (aptly titled) The Dream)

***

Teacher review:

Thank you Mrs. Rozack for the kind words. And for not having me arrested.

There are no words.

Hurry ladies, he won't be single forever.



Area code is 314, FYI.

Ohm.

Last summer I went through a belated quarter-life crisis.

- One of my best friends (and roommates at the time) transfered to San Francisco
- I applied and thought I had a transfer to Chicago
- ...It fell through...
- My company restructured and I re-applied for a job in NYC
- Then moved and began living alone for the first time

In reality, all manageable things. But somehow, when condensed into one month, seemed a bit much.

To cope I turned to this...

...A random man in tight, black shorts.

What? It felt right.


Fine -- yoga.

It's pretty awesome. Trust me.

"Just a warning that on April Fool's Day my natural distrust of others will be ratcheted up to a level bordering on psychosis".

I haven't felt much like writing lately...so much going on with work, life, relationships, living situations. THEN. I received this.

...An invitation for a friend's birthday. Which reminded me how much I L-O-V-E this site, www.someecards.com.

Goodbye productivity.

(Fo, thank you for reminding me I've become delinquent in my posts. I leave you with this, "Even when you're in the background, I'll always tag you in my Facebook photos")

Sleepy sleep.

Dear sleep gods,

Puh-lease let me sleep through the night for once. It's great waking up at 3am and all but I need some zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

Sincerely,

Me

Starbucks messages.

I'm so introspective these days.

Thank you Starbucks for slapping good 'ole #76 on my cup this morning...


"The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating – in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life."
- Anne Morriss

Philosophies by philosophy.

One of my favs...

grace

how you climb up the mountain is just as important as how you get down the mountain. and, so it is with life, which for many of us becomes one big gigantic test followed by one big gigantic lesson. in the end, it all comes down to one word. grace. it's how you accept winning and losing, good luck and bad luck, the darkness and the light.

Gung hee fa choy!

No, I'm not talking crazy-talk. I'm typing Chinese..."Happy Chinese New Year!".

The first day of the Chinese new year for 2010 landed on February 14. Here are my two favorite things to do on the weekend of the Chinese new year:

1. Soup dumplings at Shanghai Cuisine in Chinatown, NYC

2. Followed by dessert (ice cream!) at Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

Another tradition? Don't wash your hair...for good luck all year.

Oh, and 2010 is the Year of the Tiger. Grrrr.

Mi Familia.

I've never taken Spanish, so I'm not sure why I wrote my heading like that. I took German, so it should really read "Meine Familie", but I digress.

ANYwho. I really just wanted an excuse to share this picture...

It's hanging in my parent's home and always brings a smile to my face. So much so that I set it as the photo that pops-up when my parents call. Sometimes I get confused and think I'm getting a call from 1987.

The point is...Ich liebe meine familie.

Strangers & Friends.

I was just turned on to this blog by a mutual friend (three cheers for Bassam!)

I read through it so quickly, my fingers are crossed a new entry goes up soon. Clearly, I already heart it. I know you will too.

Check out Turning Strangers into Friends™ at www.strangerstofriends.com.

Friends and Fun and Wine and Petitions.

This past weekend, we had a dinner party.

(That's us being sophisticated)

Over shrimp gumbo and one to many bottles of wine (pretty sure it was like 6), it started to sink in that one of our nearest and dearest friends in NYC will be leaving in just a few short months (DENIAL!!).

(This is what we look like when we're in denial. BTW - thank you Dawn for our classy dinnerware!)

Although it's very noble that Beth is moving to Florida to support her naval aviator boyfriend (I'm not bitter, Bill), I think if we all signed a petition she'd probably stay. We'll probably just need like four signatures or something.

So here goes.

This is Beth...

And this is my petition for Beth to stay in NYC (WHY ARE YOU LEAVING US?!?!)...

1. Jenny

2.

3.

4.

Totally normal.

Human Rights.

I had the absolute pleasure of attending this event on Saturday.

My coworker, Michelle, was the co-chair. Needless to say our seats were pretty amazing...the Bravo table was to our left (hello Tim Gunn, Jill Zarin - and Bobby!?).

Not to mention a great little speech by SJP.

(SJP!!)

The shoes, dresses and suits were show-stopping.

But behind all the glitz and glam everyone was there to celebrate and promote one thing...Human Rights.

Not a bad way to spend a Saturday.

Serenity now.

Internal dialogue in red. Please enjoy my latest interaction with Time Warner Cable. (I know I didn't).

user Jennifer_ has entered room
analyst Giovanni has entered room

(the excitement is building)

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 16:53:32 EST 2010)> Thank you for contacting Time Warner Cable. We are currently testing our live chat function and appreciate your patience. At the end of our chat you will be given the option of taking a brief survey. My name is Giovanni. Please give me a moment while I access your account.


Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 16:53:48 EST 2010)> ok thank you (optimistic...afterall, not having to deal with touchtone menus is good, in theory)


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 16:53:52 EST 2010)>Hello good afternoon.


Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 16:53:57 EST 2010)>hello


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 16:53:59 EST 2010)>I understand your issue and I will be more than glad to help you in this request.


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 16:54:18 EST 2010)>Hello, Ms Bulgrin. (I think we've covered the pleasantries, kind sir)


Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 16:54:22 EST 2010)>thanks so much (yet...still hopeful)


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 16:54:35 EST 2010)>You are welcome! (thatta boy!)


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 16:55:15 EST 2010)>Let me see if I can send this statement via e-mail, I just know that I can send statements by postal mail. (a bit early for excuses, no?)


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 16:55:18 EST 2010)>May I have a moment please to look that up?


Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 16:55:23 EST 2010)>sure


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 16:56:47 EST 2010)>Have you tried to look it on PayXpress? (Oh really?? Instead of easily checking my statement online, I always prefer to: 1. dig around on a website for 20 minutes to find the contact information for the help desk 2. proceed to call the help desk and get a busy signal for 15 minutes straight 3. reluctantly join their online chat service. Yeah, this was definitely my first option.)


Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 16:57:40 EST 2010)>Yes, it has my first two statements...I need just the one for $51.90.


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 16:58:14 EST 2010)>Oh, I understand. (based on the events to follow, I'd say the grasp of the situation is weak at best)


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 16:58:28 EST 2010)>This statement has not been showed yet? (in cases like these, do you edit the grammar and send back? yes? no?)


Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 16:59:32 EST 2010)>It hit my corporate credit card on 1/22. In my last statement, I paid a portion of it personally. The balance was $51.90 which is all I can expense. They said about 3 weeks ago they would send me a new statement for just that amount. It never showed and now I need an electronic version today.


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:01:30 EST 2010)>I see. (do you though?)


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:01:42 EST 2010)>Let me check something here.


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:01:50 EST 2010)>Give me a minute, please.


Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:01:53 EST 2010)>ok


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:03:57 EST 2010)>It seems that this amount of $ 51.90 has been paid right now.


Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:04:19 EST 2010)>yes I understand...however I need the actual statement to submit to my company


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:04:59 EST 2010)>Unfortunately I cannot send this statement by e-mail. (perhaps this nugget of information would have been helpful oh say, 10 minutes ago)


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:05:21 EST 2010)>Just by postal mail and it will arrive on 5 to 7 days. (just like the last one, right?)


Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:05:22 EST 2010)>ok..I really need it. what are the options? can you load it online for me to download??


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:05:49 EST 2010)>No, I am sorry.


Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:05:58 EST 2010)>what can you do? (now this may read a bit harsh, but it's not like I was referring to can you read? can you cook? Are there any skills, at all, that you excel at?)


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:06:11 EST 2010)>I do not have the tools to do it. (I'd like to slap you with two wet pasta noodles right now)


Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:06:18 EST 2010)>ok, what can you do?


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:06:22 EST 2010)>Just send this statement by postal mail.


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:06:30 EST 2010)>By postal mail. (for added emphasis)


Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:06:45 EST 2010)>ok, that was told to me last time. i need it sent ASAP. it never arrived last time they told me they would send it.


Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:07:29 EST 2010)>I will send this statement right now, but it will arrive in 5 to days days.



Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:07:39 EST 2010)>that's ridiculous

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:08:00 EST 2010)>I am so sorry.

Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:08:07 EST 2010)>how am i supposed to provide my company with what they need? is there someone else that can help? (I should have learned by this point that additional questions only complicate the situation)

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:08:37 EST 2010)>Let me ask to my supervisor.

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:08:52 EST 2010)>Please give me just a minute.

Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:10:57 EST 2010)>Also, when I go online why does it say I have $147.55 due on 1/23? I have paid everything current. (I will forever kick myself for adding one more layer of complexity to the issue, but alas...)

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:11:26 EST 2010)>yes, your current balance is $ 0.00

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:11:47 EST 2010)>You do not owe nothing. (does Time Warner use double negatives to trick customers? Like now I owe a whole bunch?)

Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:12:11 EST 2010)>alright, please let me know what your supervisor says (taking it back to the basics, people)

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:13:27 EST 2010)>My supervisor says that you can go at the nearest TWC cable store and ask for this statement there, because we do not have access this statement but in the store they can print this statement, Ms. Bulgrin. (I'd rather have a root canal than have to interact with these people in person, thankyouverymuch)

Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:13:45 EST 2010)>Can you please mail it to me?

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:14:26 EST 2010)>This chat or the location of the store? (yes, this chat, so I can save it like a love letter)

Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:14:45 EST 2010)>My bill

Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:15:13 EST 2010)>You told me you could mail me my bill? (ohm, ohm, ohm, downward dog, child's pose, ohm, ohm)

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:15:30 EST 2010)>Not by e-mail.

Giovanni (Mon Feb 1 17:16:00 EST 2010) > I can do by postal mail.

Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:15:33 EST 2010)>yes, please do that (mutherfucka, shit, goddamn)

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:15:40 EST 2010)>Ok, sure

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:15:49 EST 2010)>Give me just a minute, please.

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:18:25 EST 2010)>May I have your current address to confirm?

Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:18:41 EST 2010)>*** Joralemon Street, Apt ### Brooklyn, NY 11201

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:18:52 EST 2010)>Great! (let's dock this ship!)

Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:19:00 EST 2010)>All set?

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:19:22 EST 2010)>Yes, this is your confirmation number: 171 249 989 (you can bet your ass this is going in the vault)

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:19:26 EST 2010)>May I help you with another issue, question or request? (let's touch on global warming...)

Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:19:32 EST 2010)>think i'm all set, thanks

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:19:40 EST 2010)>You are welcome!

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:19:54 EST 2010)>Thank you for your patience, Ms. Bulgrin. (you have no idea)

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:19:58 EST 2010)>Have a nice day!

Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:20:00 EST 2010)>thank you

Jennifer_(Mon Feb 1 17:20:01 EST 2010)>you too! (what? I'm human)

Giovanni(Mon Feb 1 17:20:02 EST 2010)>Again, my name is Giovanni. Thank you for chatting with Time Warner Cable. We value you as a customer and are here to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you would like to take a brief survey please click on "done" and the survey will load.Have a great day! (your name will be seared into my memory for a long, long time)

Giovanni (Mon Feb 17:24:02 EST 2010):0) (ewww, really?)

Best Saturday.

When your day starts with this...

...how can it not be amazing?

That's an Oatmeal Stout Beer Float.

Exactly.

The rest of brunch was equally AMAZING. I officially have a new fav -- Northern Spy Food Co.

Coming up aces.

Can't get enough of this hotel's vibe.

I have yet to check out the restaurant, but the food is by the owners of Spotted Pig. Yum.

Yesterday's visit was for a little green tea fix. You can access Stumptown Coffee Roasters from the hotel or the street.

They've thought of everything.

Two things I like about today.

#1. This fun little addition to my iPod...

Home - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros




#2. So proud of Jessica who rocked her talk tonight at this very cool event...

Whether you want to check your bank statement or how late your flight is, iPhone apps have cross-pollinated a number of brands. Many of your clients maybe considering them as another way to engage with consumers or indeed to make money. If that’s the case, are you ready for the unpredictable world of app building? And, more importantly, is building an app even right for your brand? This month our speakers will take you through the App market, the players in the field and other information you’ll need to get your app done. They’ll show you successful apps they’ve built and tell you all their secrets. Pretty good huh?

SPEAKERS: Jessica Berta (THIS IS MY FRIEND. I AM CLEARLY SO EXCITED THAT I AM TYPING ALL IN CAPS. SHOUTING, IF YOU WILL) & Shannon Heuer – Writer & Producer (respectively) - BigSpaceship
Barbara Rybka – Advisor - LimeLife.
Catherine Patterson – Head of Digital Production – McCann Erickson
The meeting will be on Tuesday, 26th of January at McCANN ERICKSON, 18th floor – 7PM start. Their offices are located at 622 3rd Avenue, between 40th and 41st street.


Do two little things for me: download the song. download the app, Urban Daddy (doesn't matter if you're suburban or a mommy).
Enjoy!

Cookie Monster.

I bought these the other day.





I had a craving for cookies and all intentions of making them.

Instead, I've been eating, as is, day-by-day.

Iamnotgross. Iamnotgross. Iamnotgross.

Giada's Venetian Mac and Cheese.

I made this last night.

That was the biggest picture I could find...boo.

Heating up the leftovers as I type (I'm skilled like that)...

All Hail Conan.

Have always been a fan.




And now...even more...

"All I ask of you, especially young people...is one thing. Please don't be cynical. I hate cynicism -- it's my least favorite quality and it doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen. I'm telling you, amazing things will happen."

The Digs.

I heart Brooklyn.

Since the move from Manhattan in September, the new place is finally coming together.

It's been fun (*challenging) to get creative with the space while still making it "me".

A work-in-progress fo so...but no harm in a little sneak peak...

***

Bar tray compliments of Target. Makes this handy little ottoman into a coffee table justlikethat.

***

These candle holders transform old wine bottles into fun decor. Who says it doesn't pay to drink? Compliments of two brothers and a sis-in-law.

***

End table was shot but the drawer survived. A pile of books now looks a bit more interesting.

***
Home sweet home. Sigh.

Chi-Chi-quinox.

I did it. I caved.

I'm officially a member *here*.

Best part?
This...



Steam Room!

I felt so amazing after I stepped out, I just had to do a little internet search on the benefits. Many, many pluses but here are some of my favs.

Viola...

• Elevated body temperature acts like a fever and boosts immunity by increasing white blood cell production
• Helps alleviate congestion, inflammation, and coughing
• Heavy sweating helps eliminate toxins, chemicals and other impurities from the skin
• Opens skin pores and releases trapped oils and dirt; promotes a clear complexion
  
• Loosens dead, dry skin which makes exfoliation easier
  
• Increased heart rate, blood circulation and metabolic rate
• Looser, relaxed muscles after exercise
• Relief for stress, tension and high blood pressure
• Sense of mental well-being and rejuvenation

Pretty sure my gym membership just paid for itself.