Of course, we all know this is bullshit, especially in Brooklyn, where apparently every woman under the age of 30 is required to wear glasses with frames that I wore in the 80's.  That said, I am still to this day somewhat self-conscious when I wear my glasses instead of my contacts.  It's not that I don't like my glasses — I do.  I even like just having the option of wearing them if the mood strikes.  But I think I am able to hide behind them in some way — maybe I become a little quieter, more hesitant, bordering on shy (I know, I know, hard to imagine, but shy on the Laren spectrum, at least).  At this time of year at work, when it's all about spreadsheets, crunching numbers and staring at the computer, wearing my glasses is a matter of survival — if I don't, I end up with a vicious headache and irritated eyes.  This usually means that I have to carry my contacts for trips to the gym as well.  I've got an eye doc appointment next week and might even consider a second pair, for fashion's sake, and because hey — I kinda like them!

PS — This is my favorite pic of me in my old glasses; I've got different ones now, which I also like.

According to my doctor, I am 5' 1 3/4".  Having been 5' 1" my entire life, this means that either I have stopped slouching or have actually grown 3/4 inch, either of which would be a minor miracle.  That said, my drivers license says that I'm 6' 1", which is clearly not true.

Good reading out there this week!  First, be sure to read about Justice Sotomayor in the New Yorker.  Next, learn how lack of sleep is impacting women, and get on board for the challenge of sleeping a minimum of 7.5 hours per night (I am failing miserably thus far).  Finally, read about breakups in the age of digital social networking and how it makes them suck all the more. 

And, of course, my weekly interview on Serious Eats; stay tuned for Mix It Up there later this afternoon!

On certain days, when I haven't gotten as much sleep as I'd like, I always wonder which would make me feel more refreshed — a nap or a trip to the gym.  Given the fact that I don't really have the option of napping at work, I tend to go to the gym, which perks me up for a bit, but then I'll often feel more tired in an hour or two afterward.  If a nap was a true option, which do you think would help you get through your day — a nap or a quick work out?

I rang in 2010 with dear friends and great food and wine (which is how all New Years Eves should be spent, in my opinion) in cozy condo in snow-covered Ludlow, VT.  I cross-country skied on New Years Day, working up a sweat and enjoying being outside on a gorgeous day.  But by the end of the evening, I wasn't feeling great, and woke up with a fever and a vicious sore throat, which is still lingering.  I spent the entire next day in my red flannel pj's, sleeping on and off, and watching the snow blow around outside.  This, of course, was not a bad way to spend a day, but I had planned on downhill skiing, so it wasn't quite the same.  I did get to have tomato soup and grilled cheese for lunch, though, which was a bonus. 

Having just been hit with a massive head cold right before Christmas, I have to admit that I'm slightly concerned about the heartiness of my immune system these days, so I plan to tone things down a bit this month in order to rebuild and strengthen it.  Any/all suggestions are welcome.

In keeping with the theme of two-word resolutions, I offer my resolution for 2010:  Let Go.  I was inspired by this article, which I hope can inspire many of you as well.  There are certain things articulated in the article that I can certainly focus on more than others, but overall, the message is to let go.

I am going offline until 2010.  I wish you all a happy, healthy New Year and, as always, I am grateful for all the magnificent people who have made my life so amazing thus far.  See you on the flip side.