tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128693742011-12-14T21:37:35.089-05:00Alinoreply@blogger.comBlogger1181100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-15116058689578481522009-01-16T18:29:00.002-05:002009-01-16T18:48:34.120-05:00

Yeah. I don't write blogs anymore. At least not personal blogs. I have a paid blogging gig now that takes up my blogging time. So have I been neglecting my own mind? Not really. Just haven't felt like putting it all out there in public. I've felt a little more reclusive - the girl hiding in the corner of a party hoping no one says hello.Non fiction is one scary sucker. So, how have things been

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-65817844836748019162008-07-06T17:57:00.002-04:002008-07-06T18:36:10.546-04:00

This past weekend Plosk and I went to New Hampshire for his cousin's wedding. It was a major trek for us: 5 hours total from door to door. Usually if we travel 5 hours together to go some where, we end up in another country. Traveling within New England has been limited for us to CT and on a few occasions, MA. In the last two days we went through NY, MA, CT, VT and NH. The trip enhanced my love

Alinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-22904123593229392122008-05-18T07:19:00.004-04:002008-05-20T21:52:35.720-04:00

Last night Plosk and I attended the Farm Sanctuary 2008 Gala. A black tie event hosted by Heather Mills and Melissa Rivers. Also in attendance were Russel Simmons, Kevin Nealon, Rory Freedman and oh so many more fantastic compassionate people. Held at Cipriani's down on Wall Street, the event was an incredible success.There is nothing like sharing a meal with hundreds of like minded people. Being

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-3437991584772137392008-04-27T08:07:00.004-04:002008-05-02T00:31:18.430-04:00

There seems to be a disconnect in our culture when it comes to talking about death. I've been experiencing this disconnect more fully this past week. My grandmother passed away. My last grandparent. At the age of 92, she died in her sleep some time between 12 am and 1 am on April 22, 2008.When I got the phone call, my father said simply, "Nan passed away last night." Immediately, I began to cry.

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-64411855451989785832008-02-25T10:32:00.001-05:002008-02-25T10:32:37.815-05:00

Over the last maybe 5 months, my eyes have felt tired, sore, and give me headaches. I’ll steer clear of computers, tvs and books for a few days to try and give them time to rest and they start to feel better. I wear my pseudo glasses when reading or writing and they help in bits but if I have a few heavy days of staring at my computer, the pain comes back and I’m left with one big headache.This

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-71283266996651107342007-12-20T10:38:00.000-05:002007-12-20T10:49:37.058-05:00

Today I'm home with a headache. I've been working so much and everything I do is computer based- whether it's email, AWT, swanky veg, my novel or writing papers, I'm on my computer. Not that I mind. I love all of those things, but doing them so much has taken a toll on my eyes. They are stressed and in turn make my head hurt. Granted I'm still home working today, and on my computer, but with

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-77133516831204906832007-10-14T08:03:00.000-04:002007-10-21T07:54:10.996-04:00

Gary, Brian and I were having a conversation about websites and what idea would be interesting to try and start. I had been thinking of a site for a while although I hadn't voiced it out loud. But I wanted to start a vegan fashion website that shows people where to find compassionate high fashion items. Gary said,"That's a great idea." And then all of the sudden, that provided the motivation

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-73163191063946284252007-08-26T17:17:00.000-04:002007-08-26T17:41:59.376-04:00

The summer has come and gone not with a bang but more with a whimper...my whimper. Although good things have obviously taken place, (they always do no matter how blah things seem) it hasn't been the restful exciting summer I had hoped for. June was full of planning and the beginning stages with what turned out to be a long painful injury. The planning was for our kitchen, our lovely kitchen

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-87046594120139617262007-06-21T10:37:00.000-04:002007-06-21T10:45:35.070-04:00

Last week I coached at a volleyball camp for high schoolers. That by itself was exhausting because I continued to do my regular job in the evenings/early mornings. But Plosk and I need the money for what will be a very expensive summer. We are redoing our kitchen- as anyone who has done it knows, requires lots and lots of money money money. Then we're going to Seattle/Vancouver/Victoria for 2

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-69437810657052651952007-06-10T10:06:00.000-04:002007-06-10T10:24:38.686-04:00

Summer is most definitely here. You can tell by my ever improving sanity, growing list of books that I've read, pages and revisions to my novel added, and overall muscle tone. This is why one shouldn't take classes in the summer. You need time to read books of your choice, write without worry about workshops or deadlines and see friends while sitting out in the sunshine not worrying about the

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-55808560600572252922007-05-08T12:38:00.000-04:002007-05-08T12:50:53.943-04:00

Yes, apparently I have forgotten how to blog. I'm not sure when it happened exactly, but I would look at emmapoeta and feel tired at the thought of writing a blog. Or perhaps my life didn't feel interesting enough to write about and I was tired of boring my friends with nothing new. The truth is that a lot is going on, but I'm less apt to share my life online than I used to be. Not sure why

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-58357947783077780782007-04-08T09:00:00.000-04:002007-04-08T09:14:52.800-04:00

Last night Plosk and I volunteered at the Farm Sanctuary Benefit at the Jivamukti Yoga School right next to Union Square. We arrived at 4pm and didn't leave until close to 1. And because it was a yoga studio, we did not wear shoes for the vast majority of the time we were there. Now, this would be fine since it's a yoga studio but we were in the other areas which meant we did everything for 8

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1275302771009171892007-03-31T20:26:00.000-04:002007-04-02T06:53:49.534-04:00

How does it happen? How do we move from friendships holding the number one spot in our lives to replacing nearly them all with one relationship? Most of us do it. As singles our friends hold the most important place in our lives, but once a significant other is found, those friendships just don't feel as exciting, as rewarding as they once did. Instead we gain a new focal point. Dinners,

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-24389475108409741352007-03-16T08:10:00.000-04:002007-03-16T08:25:17.129-04:00

This is the first time in the year and a half I've been blogging that I have taken a month long break. I didn't intend to take a break, but my blog was in the far back of my mind. It's not that things here have been so busy that I haven't had time, but writing my day to day in a public forum seemed lest exciting.Yesterday it was 67 degrees. Today there is a northeaster. It is snowing. Which

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-65803043243084483432007-02-15T13:56:00.000-05:002007-02-15T14:10:09.280-05:00

Five. That's the answer. Five people at least in my case. Over the last two weeks, I've been a compact example of what "instability" means. Ask Plosk and he'll tell you something I pride myself on is my ability to keep a level head. Then my writing self had a melt down. My novel became the enemy and I wasn't able to look at it without feeling unworthy, small, and insecure. It was the worst

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-18091795956902801032007-02-11T19:54:00.000-05:002007-02-11T19:57:13.262-05:00

My letter to Senator Obama:Dear Senator Obama,I would like to congratulate you on your decision to run for president. You have my support and my vote.I would however like to make my feelings known on a part of your speech on politics and religion. Although I am an atheist I found much of what you said valuable and thought you walked a very thin line considerably well.I think you will agree that

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1170470815314130962007-02-02T21:37:00.000-05:002007-02-02T21:53:29.306-05:00

Ok, I felt the need to write a post because it has been a while. And while there are many things happening in my professional life, I try not to write about my job online. Why am I opposed to doing that? I certainly wasn't shy writing about my job when I worked for Columbia. Perhaps the fact that I now work for a place I love has caused this shift. And because my job is now such a massive

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1169293370417494692007-01-20T06:28:00.000-05:002007-01-20T06:43:44.093-05:00

For the past 8 months I have heard nothing from my coworkers except how fabulous Candle Cafe and Candle 79 are and how I have to go. However it's on the upper east side and I never go to the upper east side. How inconvenient I thought. When am I ever going to get there. But then I decided it was time when I had a concert at the Beacon to go to with a good friend of mine. Holy holy did we

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1168472712744697532007-01-10T18:31:00.000-05:002007-01-10T18:45:12.756-05:00

Yes it's true. I have written 100 of these less than amazing blogs. That's all I'm going to comment about that but it did feel as if it should be the title to this blog even if it's not the main attraction.This past weekend Plosk and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary. We made our way back up to the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge MA. (Thank you Nilly and Papa for the generous gift and to Plosk's

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1167741577220122682007-01-02T07:33:00.000-05:002007-01-03T08:37:52.110-05:00

On December 23rd Plosk and I made our way to the land of my birth. My parents were generous enough to give us 2 premium economy tickets using their miles to London Heathrow for a 7 day trip to visit family. It was a very different experience than I have had in the past. There were no late evening pub visits but instead it was very child based. Darren and Rachael, my two wonderful cousins have

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1166622511456878232006-12-20T08:30:00.000-05:002006-12-20T08:48:31.846-05:00

Count down to what?Turning 25 on December 22ndLeaving for England on December 23thReturning to see the kittens on December 30thNew Years party at 1101 on well December 31stWeekend at the Red Lion for our 1 year anniversary from January 6th-8thThere are many things to look forward to in the coming month. Turning 25, xmas in England, 2 nights in a nice hotel in London, New Years, a few days off

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1165240617520981082006-12-04T08:40:00.000-05:002006-12-04T08:57:58.696-05:00

The last week I've been out of it. I haven't been productive. I haven't been reading or writing. I've been procrastinating and acting in a way I haven't all semester. Tomorrow I'm being workshopped so I didn't have a lot to do this week but I've successfully avoided doing more than the bare minimum. So, why is this the case? That is the question I was just asked by Plosk. Why am I acting

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1164659327772241802006-11-27T15:09:00.000-05:002006-11-27T15:28:47.846-05:00

On Wednesday the auction I've been working on for just about three months finally ended. I felt such relief watching it close. The phone calls, the chaos, the constant emails are now finished and I can focus on my primary project. I helped raise a bunch of money for an incredibly good cause and now have that experience under my belt. Fundraising is an all mind body consuming process that I

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1163358227408863422006-11-12T13:47:00.000-05:002006-11-12T14:03:47.513-05:00

A comment was made to me about the nature of my blogs- that they have become pretty ho hum. And I'll agree, my blogs are a bit boring and more about day to day life than any attempt to be creative with words or structure. Not that I ever put that much effort into it, but I used to care just a bit more. Since I have started writing every day again I no longer feel the urge to put down my own

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1162032792607228992006-10-28T06:36:00.000-04:002006-10-28T06:53:12.616-04:00

On Thursday I had my two year appointment at Sloan. My dad (being the ever concerned parent) picked me up at 7:15 at my apartment. What had I been doing from 6 o'clock on? Worrying. Not necessarily that I had cancer but Sloan is not a happy place to go to. Healthy people don't go to that hospital. It's an excellent facility, and I'm happy with my choice of hospital but really, I hate going

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1161641577291897932006-10-23T17:42:00.000-04:002006-10-23T18:12:57.363-04:00

Grad School. Critique # 1.This past week, I had my first critique. In the past I have had the occasional butterflies due to my work being read by my peers but nothing too stressful. This changed last week. I had a full anxiety attack, terrified what the seven other students in my class would say about the first 80 pages of my novel. I'm one of two first years. I came into the class with a

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1160930926822731962006-10-15T12:34:00.000-04:002006-10-15T12:48:46.966-04:00

On the bus ride home yesterday from Brooklyn with the vball team, an interesting conversation came up. Children. The head coach and one of the players both said they would like 3-7 children. An odd number. I said, one child, then perhaps we'll see, but in my mind one child seems quite fine. I was shocked by the desire for what to me seems like an army of offspring.Then it became a question

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1160414700943120332006-10-09T13:11:00.000-04:002006-10-09T13:25:01.073-04:00

This Saturday I will be two years cancer free. Two whole years since my surgery. My scar hasn't gone away like I hoped it would although Plosk says it's barely noticeable. I do notice it but then again, it is my body. Plosk and I ran through a list of all our accomplishments in the last two years and I have to say, there are many. As bipolar as I've been lately with my mood (frustration from

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1159963162174626782006-10-04T07:50:00.000-04:002006-10-04T07:59:22.186-04:00

Spawned from a joke he got as a comment, Plosk has been calling me an activist. I've never been one before, always too afraid to act, too afraid that change isn't possible. But lately my attitude has shifted. My job has made me feel that change is something that can happen if someone goes about fueling it the right way. Nearly 100 colleges have switched to cage free eggs. Some of the big

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1158494479619356122006-09-17T07:44:00.000-04:002006-09-17T08:06:46.776-04:00

...According to Spain. Yes it's true, my BMI is 16.5 which according to the scale is two whole points under what is deemed healthy. Here is the thing, my whole life I've been anywhere from 15 to 20 pounds under what the chart in the doctor's office said I should be. Yet I'm healthy. I play sports. I eat food, sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. I'm small boned, petite yet in a tall

Alinoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1158373388396618742006-09-15T22:09:00.000-04:002006-09-15T22:23:08.416-04:00

We just had our first volleyball game of the season and it was a win. I'm happy that we won. The girls have worked hard and they deserve it, but this post isn't so much about the win tonight. It's about growing up and being an adult- teaching as opposed to being taught. When the world is a larger part of what you create than what people give to you. I coach. I'm an assistant coach and

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1158058926669749032006-09-12T06:49:00.000-04:002006-09-12T07:02:06.683-04:00

It has been longer than usual since my last blog. But with good reason. I started school just over two weeks ago, and started coaching volleyball again. My novel writing class is excellent and I have my first conference with my professor this morning. I'm interested to see how he is one on one. Volleyball is also good. We have a talented group of girls who are really eager to learn. Four

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1156732171527198382006-08-27T22:27:00.000-04:002006-08-27T22:29:31.543-04:00

By Emma and Plosk

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1156430853383413082006-08-24T08:58:00.000-04:002006-08-24T10:56:30.386-04:00

Last night Plosk, Jack, Q, and I went rock climbing at a new climbing facility in New Rochelle. It was amazing. It's the biggest indoor climbing place in the area and has really nice knowledgeable staff. I would recommend "The Rock Club" to anyone at any level. They have lessons for beginners as well as a 5.13 for advanced climbers. We all did pretty well. It is a ton of upper body strength

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1156001407903542942006-08-19T11:09:00.000-04:002006-08-19T11:30:07.953-04:00

This past Wednesday Plosk and I had our very first massages. I figured, we would get there, change, and then get our massage and be out 60 minutes later. What I didn't know is that nice places have a whole song and dance before you even lay on the bed. First you shower, then you go into a sauna and are served cold water with lemon, then you go into a bath with full lemons floating around, then

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1155160071795377162006-08-09T17:42:00.000-04:002006-08-10T06:52:23.626-04:00

I cut my hair yesterday morning and for the first time, had no fear and felt completely liberated. I had it styled. It is above my shoulders and I love it. I feel new- rejuvenated. It's funny. Before I was with Plosk I was afraid to change certain things- afraid to take chances on clothes or hair. I was very safe. Now I'm having more fun with fashion and with my look than ever before- even

Alinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1154955105932624262006-08-07T08:43:00.000-04:002006-08-07T08:52:20.063-04:00

In my life, I have never been so excited for school to start. This fall, I officially begin my masters. On Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 I will be in a fiction workshop sharing ideas with other writers. Yes, I know a good many of them will be bad because no matter how good the program is, there are always bad writers in the mix. But there will also be a few writers of note, and teachers who can

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1154433627346361772006-08-01T07:50:00.000-04:002006-08-01T09:16:44.200-04:00

This past Sunday was a little rough. We woke up, made pancakes, slowly got ready to go to Plosk's Grams' 85th birthday party. I figured there would be tons of food there as there always is. In fact I haven't been to a party with zero vegetarian options in well- I can't remember the last time. Of course there was potato salad, fruit salad and desert, but there was no sort of pasta or anything

Alinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1154001408888663792006-07-27T07:48:00.000-04:002006-07-27T08:26:46.546-04:00

I am the co-auction coordinator for an online auction event we are having. This isn't selling t-shirts and cds. This is obtaining donations of vacation packages, spa treatments, and celebrity experiences. It's a different kind of thing than I have ever done before. My other project is on hold for the moment. I have been completely wrapped up in this. I have to say, it's much nicer than

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1153049607028922462006-07-16T07:14:00.000-04:002006-07-16T07:33:27.153-04:00

Plosk's birthday was this past Thursday. We relaxed, I gave him the poem I wrote for him, we ate at the Harvest, we went to Mamaroneck for some ice cream and to sit by the water, and then hung out with Jack and Alice in the evening. I called Alice after Jack's prompting and said, "You should come over tonight since Jack is here and it's Gary's birthday." I hear, "Ohhhhhhhh, I'm a terrible

Alinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1152531650917832872006-07-10T07:40:00.000-04:002006-07-10T07:40:50.933-04:00

It is Plosk’s birthday this Thursday. He will turn thirty-one and I keep making fun of him as if he is old. I like when his birthday comes around. I find it more exciting then my “own but it’s stunted because he doesn’t care that much. He’s like me who just wants quiet and a friend or two on these specific days. I’m not yet sure what we’ll do but I know what I have for him and I’m thrilled

Alinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1151319846486452782006-06-26T06:51:00.000-04:002006-06-26T07:04:06.500-04:00

So here are some pictures of our itty bitty little kittens. They have adjusted beautifully and are playing on the kitchen floor right now. These were taken on their first day at 11o1 where they made themselves at home almost immediately. The dark one is Magneto(mags or may pie for short and Cthulhu(the destroyer of worlds and Thu, or Thulhu for short) is the white one who looks like her

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1150844769330837272006-06-20T19:05:00.000-04:002006-06-20T19:06:09.346-04:00

It is June 20th and we are on our way home from our honeymoon. We are on our second plane ride, and headed from Arizona to JFK. We are home bound. I can’t say I’m ready to return to my day to day world. NY will seem stuffy, closed, dirty, and fast compared to Kauai. I enjoyed the easy days we had there. 3 mile walks in the morning, swimming or a pilates class in the afternoon, or just

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1150313890838705962006-06-14T15:37:00.000-04:002006-06-14T15:38:45.500-04:00

It’s a rainy Wednesday morning. The first rain we have experienced here thus far. It is also my first time online since arriving to Kauai. I felt an itch for it this morning, probably because of the rain. We want to take a walk across the beach to this cliff that is outside our hotel, but we’ll wait until the sky clears. 2 days ago we went to the Waimea Canyon. It was lovely, but what was

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1150313850974023572006-06-11T18:00:00.000-04:002006-06-14T15:37:31.003-04:00

It’s 5:39 am and I’m sitting on a bench swing looking at the ocean, waiting for the sun to rise. There is another couple in front of us, a couple hundred yards away but besides for that we are the only people outside enjoying the morning at the Hyatt at Poi-pu beach. I journeyed to Kauai with my family when I was nine years old. I remember clusters of things like large bull frogs, the canyon,

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1149760518759409692006-06-08T05:54:00.000-04:002006-06-08T05:55:18.773-04:00

Yep, in 1.5 days we go on our honeymoon. I have to say, the word "honeymoon" makes me feel utterly generic. I may as well go play some bingo or some other activity that nearly everyone in their life does. Perhaps that doesn't make me generic, but instead it makes me easier to relate to. I'm not really sure. In any case, I'm going on a holiday. There will be sand, fresh fruit, tropical

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1149028942367338152006-05-30T18:28:00.000-04:002006-05-30T18:42:22.380-04:00

Well, one would think I would have more time to update my blog since I'm only working 3 days a week. That would be logical but inaccurate. Since I began this job my personal productivity has increased by about...100 percent. Last week I was at the gym four times. I wrote 20 pages of my novel in the last 8 days. I've helped develop a wonderful project at work to do this summer. I've also

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1148301108443788742006-05-22T08:14:00.000-04:002006-05-22T08:31:48.456-04:00

On Saturday night Plosk and I headed to a performance held by "City at Peace." This organization brings together kids (ages 13-19) and in a year long program, guides them as they write, act, sing, and dance in their own performance. The show was and hour and forty five minutes. It tackled issues that these teens have faced in their own lives and writes about them with honesty and candor.

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1147877619461398752006-05-17T10:41:00.000-04:002006-05-17T10:53:39.476-04:00

Last night two friends came over for the very first meeting in our mini writing group. About two weeks ago at a birthday party E and I got to talking about writing and her desire to share within a group. After discussing it for a few minutes we decided we should start our own small writing workshop. Two other girls at the party were also interested so the next day I sent out an email looking

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1147697483173003522006-05-15T08:43:00.000-04:002006-05-15T08:51:23.183-04:00

Just a quick post to give an update on my new job. It is wonderful. My boss is friendly and has a great style of leadership. He trusts his employees to do what he hired them to do. This is difficult for some people- micro managers. It feels good to be part of a collaboration instead of a dictatorship. The non profit is also smart and doesn't alienate people. They try to educate the maximum

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1147004329846884612006-05-07T07:49:00.000-04:002006-05-07T08:18:49.876-04:00

It is 7:48 on Sunday morning and my eyes are still blurry. I haven't eaten breakfast or taken my pill. I just had an airborne hoping to keep the odd feeling in my throat from turning into real sickness. It has been an excellent weekend.Yesterday Plosk and I saw United 93. I went into the film with no expectations. Plosk had been a bit worried about me seeing it since I don't really watch

Alinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1146240314931140832006-04-28T11:47:00.000-04:002006-04-28T12:34:22.416-04:00

Last night I went with my parents to Plosk's performance of War Music. He was excellent. The show was fabulous, and I know see why he likes working with his teacher who directed one of the most creative and interesting shows I have seen at SLC. Plosk put his whole body into the show and as my dad said this morning, "He's a wonderful physical actor." His body was tense the whole time as he

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1145622694598439112006-04-21T08:08:00.000-04:002006-04-21T10:13:36.366-04:00

"You're married now. When do you plan on starting a family?" If you ask me that question, you're most likely going to get a dirty look and some silent venom. I don't need to be married to have kids, and I certainly didn't decide to get married because I wanted kids. Kids are a topic Plosk and I agree on and have the same feelings about. But children are not my main goal in life and neither

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1145377907336560142006-04-18T12:21:00.000-04:002006-04-19T14:18:36.510-04:00

These past few weeks I have been working on something new. My job at the Animal Rights Organization inspired me to delve into something I have always been curious about. Writing for children. In fact I had this desire over a year ago when I saw Finding Neverland for the first time. And my interactions with New Zenith and meeting Plosk also brought forward this wish. But I never felt I had a

Alinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1144248589498983512006-04-08T15:00:00.000-04:002006-04-10T09:56:58.213-04:00

This past Wednesday morning I gave my notice to CUP and at the end of this month, my time there will be over. 1 week ago I was hired by a small Animal Welfare group. My first day will be May 8th. I've learned a lot from Columbia. Many good things and many bad. Mostly, I'll miss my coworkers. Rita, MK, and Liz especially since I am with them every day. We walk together and I will miss

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1144331862160331852006-04-06T09:42:00.000-04:002006-04-06T15:18:40.030-04:00

Going through the news today I came across this quote from "health expert" J. K. Rowling (Harry Potter Writer): "I've got two daughters who will have to make their way in this skinny-obsessed world, and it worries me, because I don't want them to be empty-headed, self-obsessed, emaciated clones," she stated. Read full article here: http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/59603.htmlI've always held fast

Alinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1143685356656708572006-03-29T20:55:00.000-05:002006-03-29T21:25:00.570-05:00

Western culture tells us when we have a problem that we should keep moving forward and that moving forward equals moving away. As my professor said, perhaps western society's need to keep moving comes from the exile from Eden. We are told to wander and can never go home. Or perhaps it comes from the Puritans who came to this country to escape England's religious intolerance. (note: they did

Alinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1143473258797188742006-03-27T09:59:00.000-05:002006-03-27T20:07:35.593-05:00

From June 9th to June 19th, Plosk and I will be on our Honeymoon in Kauai, Hawaii! Yep, 10 nights, 11 days in beautiful, sunny, waterfall infested, white sand, lush, and luxurious Kauai. 11 days of 2 people relaxing after a very bizarre and wonderful 6 months. Notable events of the last six months:1. Got engaged2. Planned a wedding3. Plosk performed in various shows and readings4. Dealt with

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1142000166026950162006-03-10T09:07:00.000-05:002006-03-12T09:44:48.066-05:00

If "A" happens, then I'll be happy. "A" takes place and we move onto "B." All happiness then depends on the occurance of B, then C, then D, and so on. Once this is over I can relax. Once I get into grad school...Once I'm published...Once I get a job I like...Once I own a house...Once I have some extra money...I live in these constant hopes for the future, for a moment better than the one I'm

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1141865421014390202006-03-08T19:23:00.000-05:002006-03-08T19:50:21.026-05:00

Congratulations- that is all I needed to hear from Mary as I walked into the gym. She held out her hand and said "Congratulations Ali." The final decisions were made today. I will be getting the letter in 2 weeks. What on earth am I talking about? I got into the SLC fiction Grad program! I'm going back to school and I'm getting my masters degree. This is what I've wanted. This is what

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1141750439201824762006-03-07T11:40:00.000-05:002006-03-07T12:09:25.360-05:00

On Saturday evening, my co-worker Rita and her fiance held a birthday bash for his 30th. I had heard about many of the people attending but had never met any other than the two hosts. We ended up having a lovely time chatting to some very interesting people. I spent the evening speaking mostly to Rita's housemate. She too has a line across her neck from where she had surgery only a few months

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1141404570794958812006-03-03T11:48:00.000-05:002006-03-03T11:49:30.820-05:00

I experienced a huge high and a huge low when I got home from work yesterday. Plosk and I made brownies, bonded with some Lord of the Rings, and basically hung out for a good many hours. The nice evening continued when I signed onto my friend Ellen's blog and found she had written about me and her and how our lives oddly parallel. She was complimentary and kind and it's not often one gets to

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1141232085920606232006-03-01T11:35:00.000-05:002006-03-09T18:59:36.546-05:00

I am desperate for a snow day tomorrow. One last blast in the beginning of March so I can finish the 16 submissions to literary magazines that I have been working on. 3 poems and all nationally recognized magazines. Any of them would be a strong start and help me get published in the future. This is my first time submitting anything and it's quite a process to do it in bulk- but since most of

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1140878162037899602006-02-25T09:27:00.000-05:002006-02-25T09:36:13.460-05:00

It has been a week since we had our first visit to CT since the wedding. We had a conversation that needed to be had. We still have some more talking ahead of us but we got the most important one out of the way. I was told some things that I really needed to hear in order to feel accepted into Plosk's family. In short- our short guest list and surprise news made some people so upset that they

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1140289724722756312006-02-18T13:49:00.000-05:002006-02-18T14:08:44.743-05:00

Well, tonight we are going to Ct for the first time in - well for me, it has been nearly two months. And it has definitely been since before we were married. I have high hopes for this weekend. We have an album to show, and conversations that need to be had. They will be difficult and I'm still not sure of my role. Plosk is quickly learning his place within my family. My parents have

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1139693942802636842006-02-11T16:24:00.000-05:002006-02-11T16:39:02.816-05:00

I haven't been the most fun to be around lately. I'm in my own head. I'm having trouble listening and focusing. I have a few things that I'm excited about however: my new ipod shuffle which allowed me to spend a great deal of time at the gym today, a new book on animal rights with essays from Plato to Singer, and possibly a new antique victrola. My coworker also bought Plosk and I a beautiful

Alinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1138746543419013252006-01-31T17:28:00.000-05:002006-01-31T17:29:03.420-05:00

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1138746474084291992006-01-31T17:27:00.000-05:002006-01-31T17:27:54.086-05:00

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1138746423588399912006-01-31T17:26:00.000-05:002006-01-31T17:27:03.590-05:00

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1138746349946802072006-01-31T17:25:00.000-05:002006-01-31T17:25:49.946-05:00

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1138746293996378152006-01-31T17:23:00.000-05:002006-01-31T17:24:54.006-05:00

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1138382419403076752006-01-27T12:20:00.000-05:002006-01-27T15:20:14.000-05:00

I'm reading an anthology called the poet's child. It has greats such as Hayden Carruth, Lucille Clifton, as well as other lesser known poetry like "Magic Words to Cure a Sick Child," an inuit song. Children. The whole process is so baffling. My cousin is now pregnant, and another person I know has just told me he and his wife are having twins. My response, "Wow, congratulations, I don't envy you.

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1137678258487644802006-01-19T08:34:00.000-05:002006-01-19T08:44:18.503-05:00

I am of the opinion that early morning jobs take away from a person's creativity. When I wake up in the morning to an alarm, my mind has no way of acclimating to the day. I have no time to reflect on what I will do, or ponder ideas behind something I may be working on. An alarm is an abrupt and cruel interruption of the sub conscious. When I don't have to wake up for anything, I linger in bed

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1137160517465721422006-01-13T08:52:00.000-05:002006-01-13T08:55:17.483-05:00

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1136911180841270682006-01-11T17:33:00.000-05:002006-01-11T17:33:32.696-05:00

This past Saturday, Plosk and I were married at The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge MA. We spent months perfecting the ceremony we created together. I wrote the text, while we edited and brain stormed ideas together. It was as one person said, well researched, and really expressed our own ideas and philosophies. All I will say about the ceremony and reception is that it all went perfectly. In

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1135960323356318532005-12-30T10:53:00.000-05:002006-01-03T10:36:57.473-05:00

Last night, I put together my first solo party in about, well 15 years. It started off as just a female thing- a pseudo bridal showerish kinda shindig. It was going to be all women, until I opened it up a tiny bit and invited Marko. Then I invited my brother, and soon after that, Plosk cancelled his appointment in Ct and joined us for the latter part of the festivities. I was able to make

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1134674666796416402005-12-19T15:00:00.000-05:002005-12-19T15:00:19.166-05:00

This past weekend was incredibly difficult. Granted, I did many nice things, like stay at the red lion, see King Kong, and go to a Holiday party(albeit a bit sick). But I couldn't focus and enjoy a great deal of it. A few things are making me unable to focus. Being busy has caught up with me yet again. But that is to be expected.The big thing that happened was my cat. Last week, she had

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1134353667365740712005-12-11T21:03:00.000-05:002005-12-11T21:14:27.376-05:00

I can't even begin to fathom how busy this next month will be. My birthday, christmas, fondue party, King Kong, meeting with the Justice of the Peace, meeting with the photographer, picking up our marriage license, writing the ceremony, New Years, finding shoes, a ski suit, and oh yes, getting married to Plosker. It seems almost impossible for so much to take place in such a short period of

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1133383148391618062005-12-08T14:04:00.000-05:002005-12-09T14:04:53.840-05:00

This story actually starts 3 years ago, or perhaps it started nearly 24 years ago, but for now, I shall start it in September, when the events began to take place at rapid speeds.The PredictionSitting on our bed, we were talking and had been for probably about an hour. Marriage had been discussed before. Since we committed to each other as a couple last year, the word had been spoken many times

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1133802992029432272005-12-05T12:13:00.000-05:002005-12-05T12:20:30.846-05:00

Everyone is now in the loop. That is everyone I knew I didn't want to hear through the grape vine. Everyone- except the lovely and wonderful Alice. Yes Alice, there is something I need to tell you. And I need to see you to do it. This Friday, oh yes, this friday, I get to reveal some important information. I can't wait.

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1133382370006104452005-11-30T15:21:00.000-05:002005-11-30T15:48:18.236-05:00

This is not an actual confession as I cannot tell all the world what I would really like to right now. In about a week that will change and some very large news will be revealed.But there needs to be some sort of documentation. This past week has been full of amazing energy, helpful friends and family, and hardships on a topic that was never supposed to be hard. Oy, I can't even be vague about

Alinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1132583158059433242005-11-21T08:46:00.000-05:002005-11-21T09:25:58.093-05:00

Since Friday and through this Saturday we have visitors staying at 11o1. Matt and his girlfriend Viv are visiting NY for just over a week to relax and have a holiday and perhaps a broadway show.Now what would be the first thing you take visitors to see in NY? Answer: Cadavers.There is an exhibition of human cadavers down at the South Street Seaport right now. It was expensive to get into but

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1132466722334160712005-11-20T00:59:00.000-05:002005-11-20T01:05:22.346-05:00

I enjoy the books. I don't think they are flawless, but I enjoy reading them, and appreciate the world that has been created.The film that opened tonight was the worst film I can remember seeing- in fact I can't quite recall anything worse. It had no suspense, no bonds, none of the emotional integrity that made the books popular. Daniel Radcliff needs to be put out of his misery, and the great

Alinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1131917928000495742005-11-13T16:39:00.000-05:002005-11-13T16:51:37.740-05:00

Yesterday was Plosk and my 1 year anniversary. For most, this means, that they have been together getting to know each other for 1 year. This is not the case with us. This February, we will have known each other for 3 years. And for 2 1/2 years we have spent no less than 4 to 7 days a week in each others company as long as we were both within driving distance. This has been the case as a

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1130859970557587162005-11-01T10:46:00.000-05:002005-11-01T11:10:24.886-05:00

I am by no means wealthy, but I am not in the least poor. My job allows me to have certain luxeries. Plosk and I are able to travel, go out to see shows, and get the little things to make our lives and apartment more convenient and more aesthetically pleasing. Oh yeah, and we own a co op right outside of Manhattan.In some ways, I was ruined years ago. My mother likes nice clothing. Modeling

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1130447280550720332005-10-27T17:08:00.000-04:002005-10-27T17:08:00.603-04:00

The Negative and Positive of a busy Schedule:Volleyball ends in just over a week. We ended up coming in 4th in our Conference. That means, we get to play a team we already beat in the quarter finals, and then move on to play in the finals on our own court. In fact, we only have 5 games left. All of them are home. Volleyball is something I find great joy in. A successful hit, play at the net

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1129508633065698482005-10-16T20:24:00.000-04:002005-10-16T20:23:53.073-04:00

This past week has been incredibly busy (this is not new) but perhaps even more busy than I had been previously. Because of this, I feel my body becoming sick. Ploski is feeling it too. We are both light headed and feeling a bit nauseous today. I'm hoping it's just something we ate and not something that would make us both be ill. We have yet to do the tandem sickness thing that tends to

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1128689393631633022005-10-07T09:20:00.000-04:002005-10-09T16:05:43.930-04:00

1 year ago, I was in surgery getting my thyroid removed. It has officially been a year without cancer. A year in which I have accomplished many things. Recovery, radiation, first full time job, financial independence, purchased an apartment, and traveled. 1 year, and my scar is still here, questions are still asked. My nerves have finally decreased when I go to the hospital alone. I still

Alinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1128434669058062602005-10-04T10:03:00.000-04:002005-10-04T10:04:29.066-04:00

Filling out forms, making phone calls, working, volleyball practice and games, seeing friends, DH, Graduate Applications, and more. I haven't even been able to sit and finish reading L.I.E. because it has been so busy. I get up, go to work, head home, eat something quickly, and head back out to volleyball. I get home again, and simply try and catch up on a few other things, like some of those

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1127685336865519232005-09-25T17:32:00.000-04:002005-09-26T14:34:35.836-04:00

This weekend was in some ways about a mix of cultures. Both meshing cuisines, people, and customs. On Friday night, Jacek came to visit for the weekend. His only requests were that we ate good food and watched Battlestar. I had gotten wonderful recommendations both from the New York Times and from my parents about a French Asian fusion restaurant in Thornwood called Ace. It sadly, was not

Alinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1127418007803817602005-09-22T15:31:00.000-04:002005-09-22T15:40:07.813-04:00

This post will not make sense to anyone (well, one person). But I feel the need to document it. To simply write a few words based on some massive changes that have taken place this week. Perhaps 'changes' is an incorrect description, but a shift has taken place all the same. Plosk told me he would show me something on his computer dated from last November. This was after I told him my true

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1127095312286854232005-09-18T22:00:00.000-04:002005-09-19T08:42:24.390-04:00

Yesterday afternoon Plosk, Alice, and I visited the Booth theatre on 45th between Broadway and 8th(my least favorite part of the city- midtown, tourists, slow walkers). Alice was running late and had to run about 20 blocks in order to be on time for the 2 o'clock matinee we were about to see. But she arrived on time and we were able to take our seats and spend the next 2 hours viewing the work

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1126880597874624122005-09-16T10:23:00.000-04:002005-09-16T10:23:17.890-04:00

I was told recently by a friend in reference to my blog, "Sometimes, I don't like the way you write." She went on to say that between my words she feels as if I'm holding back what I'm willing to say, and that my words feel that way, clotted and forced. My response, "Of course they do." One doesn't write the most personal details of their lives and friends within this public forum. And I

Alinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1126627218298004772005-09-13T11:47:00.000-04:002005-09-13T12:00:18.353-04:00

We were finally told today who will be staying on at the Press and who has been asked to leave come December 1st. I have been asked to stay for another year. I should be happy. Quite cheerful in fact. But due to a multitude of reasons, my job security is not enough to create this euphoria. I asked my boss if we were going to see a pay raise due to the fact that it will be our second year. I

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1126445679586947142005-09-11T09:30:00.000-04:002005-09-11T10:16:58.946-04:00

My brother is now officially in Hong Kong. Probably picking up Dom at the airport about now. His job remains amazing. Work long hours all year on your weekends, but then as a reward, get 2 months of down time to do whatever he would like. Last year was Africa, this year China and India. I would love to go on a holiday like that. Finances sadly don't allow it. He makes probably over double

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1126100314458418402005-09-07T09:38:00.000-04:002005-09-07T09:38:34.466-04:00

This time last year, I had my final biopsy, and in 7 days from now I would have been told that I had cancer of the thyroid. In exactly 1 month from now, will be a year since my surgery. It's September and school has started again for those still in school. For me, time moves into fall without much transition. I need to get myself into the academic world. I need a job that recognizes the

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1125242475902107092005-08-28T10:58:00.000-04:002005-08-28T20:06:04.540-04:00

Friday at about 2:15, Lori and I got in the car to head up to her family's cabin at Wolf Lake to meet friends for her birthday weekend. Lori, Elana, Amy, Andy, Adrien, and I spent the night with her family at their beautiful country house. We hung out, ate, talked, and had a lovely evening, all in preparation for Saturday's adventure. We went rafting on the Delaware River. Granted, the water

Alinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1124457680532760312005-08-19T09:21:00.000-04:002005-08-19T11:05:53.526-04:00

Over the last few weeks, possibly over a month, I have had the urge to call my ex to see how he was doing. The last time we spoke was months ago, when he randomly called me and the conversation like every other conversation we have had since we broke up, was disappointing. The official two year mark since we split was this past June. After we parted, he became less and less of the person I

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1124050710602384962005-08-14T16:18:00.000-04:002005-08-15T14:48:35.486-04:00

Eleven people both from Ct and NY made there way to Ellington Ct to take part in an exciting experience of bonding and personal satisfaction. Yesterday I took my first skydive from 14,000 feet. Plosk organized the event. Originally the guest list included him, his muddha, and me. That list grew and shrank many times, but in the end we had eleven companions. My life long friend Lori even

Alinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869374.post-1123851708549773182005-08-12T09:01:00.000-04:002005-08-12T09:01:48.556-04:00

Last Tuesday Kristy and I had a conversation on Volleyball. She was thrilled to find out that I would be interested in taking on the position as assistant coach of the slc vball team. We talked about it in detail and were both really excited about the prospect of working together. She went from being my coach 2 years ago, to my friend, and now to my co-worker. Lots of transitions. I

Alinoreply@blogger.com0