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.
It was my birthday yesterday. This is the first time I genuinely was not particularly looking forward to it, but that said, it turned out to be a chance to reflect and to be reminded of how amazing my life is and to treasure the people that are in it. Now, granted, Facebook makes it very easy to wish people a happy birthday, but that doesn't make receiving the birthday greetings any less special. Several of those who took the time to post a note on my wall or on Twitter were people I didn't even know a year ago — this year I've met more people than any year in recent memory. Others who reached out both there and by phone and email were people who have been in my life for a very long time. I hope they will all be in my life for the rest of it.
A special thanks to Jenn D., Sara & Arlan, Lauren, Caroline, Kim & John for closing out the day with great company and Momofuku fried chicken.
There are times I hate my kitchen. It's tiny. It barely has any counter space. The cabinets are awkwardly designed. There's no dishwasher. It's practically impossible to have more than one person cooking in it comfortably (well, there are exceptions). That said, the one thing I absolutely love about my kitchen is the fact that absolutely everything you need is within arm's reach. Literally. And it's microscopic size has never stopped me from tackling a meal!
#1 — Save up for a new computer, as mine is very quickly becoming a sluggish paperweight and I'm not sure how much longer I can stand it before hurling it at a wall. Would do it sooner if only my entire life weren't on it. How is it possible that a device purchased in January 2006 can become practically useless in four years? Longer-term goals and New Year's resolutions to come.
#2 — Regain ability to breathe through my nose. Seem to have lost it for the past three days.
Want. Now. Chanukah is almost over and I haven't had any latkes yet – I used to have a latke party for years until I got sick of having my apartment smell like a fry-o-lator for days afterwards. I will love you forever if you can get these into my greedy little hands today, especially if I don't have to make a special trip to Russ & Daughters to pick them up. (PS – My birthday is coming up, in case you need extra incentive).
