Before I forget

I realized the other day I meant to post my great idea so that I could prove I thought of it first! With that said, it's just a plot idea for a show like CSI. This is my process - I was in the shower noting how long my hair (and therefore how much more time/shampoo it takes to wash it) and was thinking I should cut it soon - especially before I go to India. My approach with hair, since I lack any idea or intent of styling is just to grow it long, cut it short and donate the cut hair to make wigs for people with cancer, which got me thinking...



You know how on these shows it's set up to be an unsolvable case but then, wait, they find one little hair under the bed or something and trace it back to the murderer. Well, what if they did that, and accused the wrong person, because, yes it was their hair and DNA, and the back story on the person was such that they lived in the same town. The accused person can't figure out how the hair got there even though they weren't ever in that room/house - it looks like they will be doomed to a life in jail. As a viewer who is right? Either the DNA is right and the accused is lying, or they are convincing enough for you to think the testing was wrong. But the obligatory plot twist in the last quarter of the show was that both were right (the DNA testing and the innocent protestations) when somehow (no idea how) the police realize that the hair came from a wig of the murder who had gone through chemo. A little far fetched but not in the genre of the shows. You heard it here first!



I've told this to several friends/family who all thought it was a pretty good idea. However, got to love dad, his initial comment was that they probably already did a show with a similar plot idea. His point being that since there are, what, 8+ different types of these shows on each week, for however many years, there's been a lot of plots so the likelyhood that it was already done is high. I choose, to take the comment as a compliment, and if they haven't done it yet, they are welcome to use my idea - free of charge (I just get to have a walk on part :)

Dating & Books

So as I think I might have mentioned before, it turns out that one of the saving graces of the whole online dating thing is that I have a great list of books I want to read next. I find that I like to read word of mouth books (that doesn't sound right), and am almost done with one I borrowed from Andrea which has been perfect timing before heading off to India in a few months. It's called Tales of a Female Nomad by Rita Golden Gelman.



Basically it's a travelogue of a woman who after her kids are grown and her marriage falls apart becomes a traveler in the non-touristy sense - opening herself up to other cultures and people. I was going to insert Amazon.com picture here, but no such luck, however, the site recommended Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure by Sarah MacDonald. I know I'm walking out on a limb as it wasn't recommended (unless Amazon counts), but it seems, again, like perfect timing.



Back to the subject, the following is the list so far of books that seem interesting - granted I think I'll try to get most of them from the library (got to love your local library).

- Self Made Man (author not given but think it's by Norah Vincent): about a woman posing as a man and experiencing life from that perspective.

- The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene: Love the science.

- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson: recommended several times - it's a bestseller, so I don't know.

- The World is Flat by Thomas Fidman: I've been meaning to read this for awhile - it's back on the list!

- Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Truss: referenced enough I feel like I should read it.

- The Curious Incident about the Dog in the Nighttime by: told through the voice of an autistic boy.

- Sex, Drugs, Coco Puffs by Chuck Klosterman

- Freakonomics : again, another referenced book that friends have also referred me to.

- Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides: One of the few fiction books on this list

- Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

- The Men Who Stare at Goats by Jon Ronsons

- Empire Falls by Richard Russo

- A Brief History of Cocaine

- iCon :a biography about Steve Jobs (you know the apple guy)

- Of Flies, Mice and Men: about genetics revolution

- The Book on teh Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are by Alan Watts

- Complications by Atul Gawande

- Undaunted Courage: about the Lewis and Clark expidition

- Street of Crocodiles by Bruno Schultz

- What I Loved: about the life of an artist in SoHo

- Swimming Across Anatartica



As you can see, it was taking too long to link each book and quite frankly, I've forgotten what some of the books were about (but they sounded good when I was reading about them). At least now I can throw away my random piece of paper. Now the question is, which one should I read first...

My favorite guy so far

I'm getting worn down from jumping back into the deep end of the dating scene. However, it's been entertaining for both myself and my friends. It's been suggested on several occasions that I should be writing a book (I think that's been done quite a few times now). My guess is that it's in response to the breadth of people I've been in contact with. The first few were more intellects/(nice term nerdy). The ones this weekend are more the athletic/sportsy types. And next week I have an artsy/tattoo type. Plus on the side, a friend is trying to hook me up with an artsy/latino. I should be recording more of the adventures here on my blog but my energy level has dropped recently. Maybe this next round will be recorded.



I'll start now, I guess, as I kill time. In half an hour, I have a date with TJ - I keep saying JT, honestly I'm not dislexic. I was excited about him originally, but than spoke with him the other night for a good 45 minutes. Sounds good, but no. It's more like he spent the time talking. Not that there is anything wrong with that (well actually there is), but it's excusable in the beginning - can chalk it up to nerves. The thing was that he was fairly flat. No humor. So far I've found has really warmed up the situation fairly well, put people at ease. But with him, no such luck. I would make a joke and there would be a long pause with me quickly following up with a "just kidding". I'm still trying to keep an open mind, as reading people over the phone is hard especially at the first time meeting. However, the gut is telling me it's not too promising. Hopefully, I'm wrong. Even so, I can learn about developing and investing in property - he and his brother buy properties, fix them up with mostly their own labor and than sell the buildings.



In conclusion, so far, I would say my favorite is Winston (and of course his brother too - except I don't have a good picture of him right now). And I have a date with them later tonight!

Beautiful Chair

Several months ago we moved from our office we were renting (they provided the desks and chairs and copier, etc) to our new temporary office that is located right next to our new space that is under construction. It's been really nice because instead of about a dozen of us cramped into one room which was getting very noisy and distracting, we all are spread out. I am even in a back office I share with my coworker Doug which is nice.



However, one of the downgrades in the move is that we had no chairs and ended up just buying a dozen folding chairs. The metal kind. I brought in a cushion but it didn't help much. Needless to say my lower back has gone from never being great to being really not good.



But guess what came today! We rush ordered our new chairs for the new office and they arrived today - I had no idea. And what a difference. I will never take a good chair for granted again. I went from sitting on a bottom of the line chair (I guess a pile of boxes was the only thing below the option I was sitting on) to the top of the line - Haworth's Zody chair. For those of you in the know it's a Cradle to Cradle product - hence why we have it for the new green resource center.



Look at the wonderful cushiony seat and all the adjustable options - moving up or down or back or forth. And things as simple as arm rests and wheels. Wheels! I am mobile. I didn't realize how much I wheeled around at my desk, especially when on the phone. And isn't that a gorgeous lumbar support. It adjusts up and down so you can position it just right and on top of that you can make it more stiff or less so. Our version is black with a mint green seat which is wonderful. I love my new chair, my back loves my new chair, even my toenails love my new chair (don't ask me how). So bask in the glory of my new, beautiful chair!

Status

So, I ended up going on two dates this week - Amit and Kevin. They were both great guys, had a great time, but don't think there is anything there romantically. It's only been, what, two weeks of eharmony, and I'm starting to get exhausted from it all. So much time spent on it and it doesn't really set up the right environment - it's more like you are in interviewing mode. Figure I'd better pace myself - no more than two per week is my new creed.



I’m getting a little worn out by reading so many profiles, so generally just jump to the book question so I’ll get something out of all my work - I have quite a good list of books I want to read. Plus I find it produces the least generic answers (i.e. Q: what are you most thankful for? A: health, family, friends is the typical response). So skimming through the last batch, I came across this and it just cracked me up, thought I'd share it with you all:



The last book Jason read and enjoyed:

The last book I read was entitled "Saftey Instructions for your Airbus A320 Aircraft". Granted, it was more of a pamphlet. Well, really, just a card, but I still read it. Well, I guess there wasn't much to "read", but there were lots of pictures and I learned a lot. You can use your seat cushion as a flotation device. Who knew?!?

Nick's in the paper!

Just talked with Nick and found out that he was quoted in a recent article in the Chicago Tribune! Check it out here. He's near the end of the article, here's an excerpt that relates to Nick:



Nick Robinson, 26, who graduated from Yale University's law school last spring, works as a clerk for the Indian Supreme Court. He's making $16,500 for a nine-month stint through a fellowship, a signing bonus at many American law firms. Here, it's a decent wage - an Indian clerk earns about $3,330 in nine months.


"Some people ask me why did I come," said Robinson. "But if you get the chance to clerk for a very well-respected Supreme Court in the largest democracy in the world, that's an opportunity you want to pursue."



Apparently the actual paper (the one in Chicago, not the online version) features a picture of Nick. Unfortunately I can't find it online, the closest I got was this Welsh football player with the same name.

My old Crush

Boys, boys, boys! Honestly, I do have more on my mind. But am having dinner with Sam (old college friend) and he sent me an email with a picture of the old gang. They got together the other week - and it has Jamie in the picture.


He's the one that I could see myself ending up with, except that he's a priest now (almost) - the Catholic kind (see previous post). It seems like ages ago when I hung out with that group (it's been 10 years). Seeing them all together definately brings me down memory lane and scares me how much has become clouded and forgotten. I really need to get started on my memoirs. Well, just thought I'd post the picture before it gets lost on the computer. He's the one with the receding hairline. Ok, bad joke, the one on the right.

One More

Really there are a few others, but they're still in the early stages of "communication" so don't qualify for posting. But have to add Thomas here, who seems really sweet. It's interesting how people come off in the short, structured messages. The way the whole things is structured, I get the wonderful pleasure of sending the first message. Generally I reference something said prior, but it was harder for him. He is in Boston, so another point for convienance - hopefully we'll be able to get together after work next week.



And I think I'm good for now. I have two dates lined up for this weekend, and than another two more for next week in the works. I feel like I am house hunting all over again (which it kind of is). And it's starting to get a little overwhelming. Must pace myself. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon. Ok, it's neither, I just need some "me" time and of course knitting time - wouldn't it be great if I could knit on the first date, hmmm. I was trying to have this one sweater done for the show tomorrow night. Let's just say I'm done with the back, and that's all. Oh well - I'm no Olympic knitter.



I have to say that I'm still in the pre-bubble burst stage where the potential is exciting (no crazy psychos yet). And with that said off I go back into the wide world of dating.

Dating

First, my new month's resolution is to post a blog at least once a week. That said, onto my topic. No, I'm not dating yet, but on the road. Last week, I finally signed up with eharmony, an online dating service. For those of you less familiar with the process of this particular mating ritual, let me elaborate. First, you have to fill out 30+ forms online about who you are, what you like, etc. I wouldn't have gotten past this first step if it weren't for Andrea (see pic), a coworker and good friend that loves doing online dating (she unfortunately/fortunately is in a successful and longterm relationship, which means she lives vicariously through others, ie. me). The word on the street here is that eharmony is for those interested in relationships (the questions act as a filter) while match.com is more of a meat market (and craigslist is just scary). That said, I have several friends who have found a mate on match.com.



Next, once you've paid of course, eharmony acts as the intermediator and introduces you to who they think will be a good fit (think Fiddler on the Roof's matchmaker, in modern day). This is based on the questions from part one. Each day you get introduced to a dozen or so people. You get to read their answers, see their pictures (if posted) and if interested can "start communication".



But it's not that simple. I "started communication" with one fellow, and we are just now finally getting to the point where we are setting a time and place to meet. It's taken one+ week with the back and forth eharmony puts you through. First they send questions (multiple choice), you answer and send your own questions. Then they answer and send "must haves/can't stands". You read them and send your own. They read yours and send round two of questions (short answer), you answer and send your own. They read and then communication starts in that you can send a message. In no time do they have access to your email, or any other personal info. Very good in the guarded sense, but figure a day minimum for each and you are looking at a courting ritual of at least 8 days before you even meet!



So, it's been fun and safe - I've not had to go too much out of my comfort zone, and when that's happened, Andrea's there to do some friendly pushing. A little something to highlight the day (when it's not too busy). At first it wasn't looking too good, but now it gets a little overwhelming - so many people, so much communication. I thought I'd share the possibilities (plus wouldn't it be funny if someone knew one of the guys). Here's the short list:



Amit: The first guy I started "communicating" with and who lives in Cambridge (one point for convenience). He seems really nice and is also new to this whole process. We're still working out logistics but hope to meet up with him this weekend. He suggested friday but I was going to to hang out with friends and see my "crush" perform (see below). He is younger (29) and doesn't drink, but am keeping an open mind.




Kevin: As I was writing this post, I've been simutaneously writing to Kevin- which negates my previous comments about how long it takes. I guess if both are on the computer and have time, it can move a lot faster. He seems really nice (honestly I don't say that about everyone) and just started his own business as a home inspector. He communicates really well (his personality comes through) and even owns a cat! Unfortunately he lives up in Nashua, NH, which is just under an hour away, so still is in the picture. Also, did I mention he is a red head (yummm) and a leftie. Hopefully we'll be getting together this weekend/next week.




Derck: I just started communicating with Derck (or is it Dereck and he can't spell?) today. But thought I'd add him to the list as he also loves Sedaris and am sure that's we he started communicating with me (I have a reference to Sedaris in my answers). Not sure how well the match will work (look at the size of those thighs - there's no way I could keep up), but you never know.




Adam: He's my crush. My friend and coworker Colleen has been trying to set us up for months now, he's best friends with her husband. I'm a little hesitant as he is a musician (yes, that's his day job) and I don't think he wants to settle down yet. But he's really sweet and super nice and we definately had some chemistry when we met briefly - a perfect candidate for the crush category. Isn't he a cutie?




So, that's all for now. In knitting news, I finished the sweater for Jackson (6 month old version of baby sweater I knit for Ann's son), but don't have buttons - you know that'll take me a month to finish now - so close...