from yet another trip to NY. Thank you Brian (or is it Bryan) and my female lovers (Nat, Milen) for a fantastic time. And thank you Armen - its never a bad time with you - esp when there's afternoon drinking involved! (mental note - no pitchers before long bus rides anymore!)
And...
Congrats to Dave and Debra on their engagement (another one bites the dust - JUST KIDDING!). Send some love their way. (I'm sure most of you Cal folk remember my friend Dave - the honorary Armenian.)
Tomorrow, I am going to unpack and then pack again for my next NY trip on Friday. Yay for seeing Emus!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Early morning naps....
Every morning, I take the D line train from my house to north station (between 25-40 minutes depending on the time of morning, number of people, etc). Then, I take the commuter rail out to Lynn (2 or 3rd stop depending on the train). The ride on the commuter rail is usually about 25 minutes - and sometimes they let us on the train 5-10 minutes early - that gives me a good 25-35 minutes to nap!
Most mornings I read my book. Some mornings reading makes my eyes burn (because I'm so tired) so I just listen to music. Other mornings, I lay across the seats and "rest my eyes" so to speak.
This morning, I decided to sleep. Not nap. Not rest my eyes. But sleep. Well, I guess it wasn't really a decision. I thought I was awake. Its sorta like - in the morning, when your alarm goes off and you hit the snooze and decide to just keep your eyes closed for a "few minutes longer" - and when you open them, you are fairly certain only 10 minutes has passed when in fact its been 45. Ya, I had one of those.
I got on the train at 7:55. Foregoing the usual make up and reading ritual, I just put my headphones on and lay down. I opened my eyes once and noticed we were just barely rolling - the train had just started moving. 25 more minutes to go! I closed my eyes again - you know, to "rest" them. At our first stop, I jumped awake. I knew it was our first stop - I had been half awake and felt it was the first time we had stopped - but, I had this sudden fear that I might have actually been asleep and have missed my stop. Luckily, we were only in Chelsea (stop one). I put my head down again. One other time I popped up to see that we were not yet at Lynn but probably halfway between Chelsea and Lynn. I closed my eyes again. Somehow, in the next 10 minutes, I fell into a deep sleep. When I opened my eyes again, I caught a glimpse of the last person stepping off the train - and no one was really getting on (which means, the train was about to close its doors and take off again). I frantically sat up to look around at the signs... SWAMPSCOTT?!?!?!? WTF? Where am I? Yep, I had "overslept." I grabbed my pass (thank god i didn't forget it like that other time), gathered my purse, did a check of my "area" to make sure I had grabbed "all my personal belongings" (you know, like those flight attendants tell you to do) - and ran down the aisle to the exit. I'm sure I knocked some people out with my big bag swinging all over the place.
I got on the platform and gathered my thoughts - WHERE AM I? HOW DO I GET BACK? Obviously I could catch another train in but I had to be at the office by 9:15 today because we had to leave to go elsewhere for a meeting... and the commuter rail does not come often (sometimes it doesn't come for over an hour!) I noticed many people standing on the opposite platform - indicating that there was most likely a train coming in soon.... but there was no way to cross the tracks. OH! there must be an underpass by the little makeshift station. So I walked down a ways - nope, no underpass. AHHHHHH! Then I heard a tractor which I thought was the train so I started running. Right as I found the underpass, I heard the train coming (the real train - not the tractor). Luckily, I did manage to run and catch it in time! Yay. I got a few strange looks - I wonder if people saw me get off and on - and I also wonder if I had strange marks all over my face (from falling asleep on my bag). Oh well. I made it to the office in time and thats what counts right?
So I guess the next time someone says, "How do you nap on the train? Don't you miss your stop?" I won't be so quick to say, "Of course not, I just always know when we get to my stop - even when I'm half asleep!"
Most mornings I read my book. Some mornings reading makes my eyes burn (because I'm so tired) so I just listen to music. Other mornings, I lay across the seats and "rest my eyes" so to speak.
This morning, I decided to sleep. Not nap. Not rest my eyes. But sleep. Well, I guess it wasn't really a decision. I thought I was awake. Its sorta like - in the morning, when your alarm goes off and you hit the snooze and decide to just keep your eyes closed for a "few minutes longer" - and when you open them, you are fairly certain only 10 minutes has passed when in fact its been 45. Ya, I had one of those.
I got on the train at 7:55. Foregoing the usual make up and reading ritual, I just put my headphones on and lay down. I opened my eyes once and noticed we were just barely rolling - the train had just started moving. 25 more minutes to go! I closed my eyes again - you know, to "rest" them. At our first stop, I jumped awake. I knew it was our first stop - I had been half awake and felt it was the first time we had stopped - but, I had this sudden fear that I might have actually been asleep and have missed my stop. Luckily, we were only in Chelsea (stop one). I put my head down again. One other time I popped up to see that we were not yet at Lynn but probably halfway between Chelsea and Lynn. I closed my eyes again. Somehow, in the next 10 minutes, I fell into a deep sleep. When I opened my eyes again, I caught a glimpse of the last person stepping off the train - and no one was really getting on (which means, the train was about to close its doors and take off again). I frantically sat up to look around at the signs... SWAMPSCOTT?!?!?!? WTF? Where am I? Yep, I had "overslept." I grabbed my pass (thank god i didn't forget it like that other time), gathered my purse, did a check of my "area" to make sure I had grabbed "all my personal belongings" (you know, like those flight attendants tell you to do) - and ran down the aisle to the exit. I'm sure I knocked some people out with my big bag swinging all over the place.
I got on the platform and gathered my thoughts - WHERE AM I? HOW DO I GET BACK? Obviously I could catch another train in but I had to be at the office by 9:15 today because we had to leave to go elsewhere for a meeting... and the commuter rail does not come often (sometimes it doesn't come for over an hour!) I noticed many people standing on the opposite platform - indicating that there was most likely a train coming in soon.... but there was no way to cross the tracks. OH! there must be an underpass by the little makeshift station. So I walked down a ways - nope, no underpass. AHHHHHH! Then I heard a tractor which I thought was the train so I started running. Right as I found the underpass, I heard the train coming (the real train - not the tractor). Luckily, I did manage to run and catch it in time! Yay. I got a few strange looks - I wonder if people saw me get off and on - and I also wonder if I had strange marks all over my face (from falling asleep on my bag). Oh well. I made it to the office in time and thats what counts right?
So I guess the next time someone says, "How do you nap on the train? Don't you miss your stop?" I won't be so quick to say, "Of course not, I just always know when we get to my stop - even when I'm half asleep!"
Thursday, July 19, 2007
adventures in lynn
I had to run an errand of sorts for work today.
I had to go find the dead guy's car.
My boss has been out of the office for a few days and he asked me on Tuesday if I could go find this guys car. His instructions were... "Somewhere in these boxes you'll find his keys, his registration, and the title to his car - find those then go look for his car."
Yesterday it was raining all day so I figured I'd go today. Unfortunately, I hung around the office for a bit too long waiting for some woman to return my call (it was a little urgent) before I headed out. I finally found the guys "stuff" in his box and was on my way out when I realized I hadn't grabbed his current address. Back up I went. Found the address. Left again - then I realize - car? what do i do when i find it. Back up I went to ask the other boss. We called him - he said just find the car. Thats it. So I headed out again.
As I stepped out - I noticed it was gloomy. Eh, what are the chances it'll actually rain? I kept walking. About a block away, I felt a few drops on me. I feel "a few drops" so often - and quite often, it does not turn into rain. So I decided against going back for my umbrella and kept walking.
A few more blocks, I passed a happy couple. Actually, the guy seemed miserable and the woman was complaining about something as he stared into space. They were trailer trashy looking people.... not exactly the classy type (I'm guessing late 30's ish). As I walked past them, I heard a kiss. Nah, I must be hearing things... The woman was clearly angered by something though because she kicked it up a notch and started chewing his head off. When I felt I was at a safe distance, I turned around - there he was, head resting on his hands which were resting on something (it was either a tool - like a shovel - or just a piece of wood) staring in my direction. Ew.
I kept walking. At this point the drops had turned into a drizzle. A little drizzle never hurt anyone... I semi folded the papers down the middle (I didn't want to crease them) and stuck them under my jacket, under my arm. By jacket, I mean, thin black cardigan (under which I was wearing a sleevless top). I finally arrived at the building. I pulled out the papers and quickly read the VIN number and type/make of the car - hoping they wouldn't get too wet white I was standing there. I looked up and down the street - no luck Then I turned the corner - BAM! Right there in front of the building was the exact make and model - and probably the same year. I quickly read the VIN. First three letters.... I was ready to go home! But I kept reading - fourth one didn't match.... This paper must be wrong. I whipped out the title. WRONG!?!?!? Damnit! I walked up and down the parking lot (small lot fortunately) and then headed across the street to another parking lot. I finally found the car but apparently aroused some suspicion. As I was leaving a resident of the building (its an old folks home) called out to me, "Whatcha lookin for?" "A car. I found it. Thank you sir." I smiled and kept walking. I KNOW after 2 months of working with them how these old people can be - and one simple explanation leads to endless questions so I just kept on walking.
The rain picked up. So did the wind. My hair was wet by now and dripping down my face. I tried to pick up my pace but my flip flops were also wet and my foot was sliding all over the place. I was getting pebbles under my feet and I could tell that my pants were soaking up the water from the ground. Great!
I hurriedly crossed a street and as I made it to the other end I heard a man shout from across the street - "Hey Girl!" I almost didn't turn around. Thank goodness I did. "You dropped some papers," he shouted, pointing to the intersection.
AHHHHHHHHHH! What? I ran back to the intersection but by now the light had changed - a few cars had just barely missed the papers but a truck was dangerously close (the papers - paper actually as I later discovered - was more towards the curb than the middle of the street) so I ran and jumped in front of it (smart, i know) and quickly grabbed the paper. I was relieved to see that it had barely even gotten wet (landed on a higher spot and not in a puddle) and turned and shouted "Thank you!" to the guy across the street and started walking. The whole time, I assumed the other papers were still under my arm. But as I came to put this paper back with its paper friends, I realize... uh oh.
"Hey Girl - There's more." Great! I turned around but didn't see any papers - I looked at the guy again hoping for some "direction" - he pointed and said, "back there." And thats when I saw them. The title and the registration laying in the middle of the street. The wind had blown them back and cars were coming at it - this is an awful street - between two intersections - one with a green light and the other with no light - where cars are constantly making super fast left turns - and no one was stopping. Another truck (red like the first one) was coming down the street again - this time, the truck was not "dangerously close" but rather, directly in line with the papers. Again, I jumped in front of the truck (in the background I heard the man yelling, "Dont get hit by a car" - Don't get hit? Did he realize these were important papers?). This time, it was a little more scary. The previous truck had seen me running and had slowed down - this truck had no idea I was coming - I held up my hand, praying he would stop....
He did. And thank god because I don't think I'd make good road kill. I quickly grabbed the papers - trying hard not to rip them - and ran. The papers were drenched but in tact. I carefully tried to unfold and uncrinkle them and put them with the other paper. They were too wet to roll up and put under my arm again so as I started walking I decided to use my jacket as a sheet protector. As I started stripping off my jacket (which is apparently what it looked like to some people) - I heard a group of guy sitting on some steps across the street say, "That's a cute one."
What am I? A DOG? I kept walking. My pants wet up to my knees almost. My hair - still dripping in my face - stuck to my head in parts and medusa-esque in other parts. I felt my head starting to hurt. I managed to get my jacket off and as I was wrapping it around the sheets of paper, one of the aforementioned "gentleman" came up alongside me and started walking with me.
"Hi"
"Hi" Is he serious? I have mascara running down my face and I look like a wet dog... he can't really be serious!
"Its a little rainy today"
A LITTLE RAINY? "Sure is"
"I was wondering if I could get your name? ... if you don't mind"
I mind buddy! I started laughing. "Sorry, I don't "give out" my name"
"Oh, alright. I understand." (...something something somethign - at this point, he stopped walking and I stopped listening but he was saying something about being safe "nowadays")
RIGHT!
Home? Almost? Yes, I was almost home. Sorta. But the rain was not helping. I finally reached the familiar path - under the bridge, along the train tracks, cross the street, up half a block to our building. Home.
So the moral of the story? Don't leave home without an umbrella. If you do, bring cash so you can buy one - or get a cab. And don't drop important papers that your boss asked you for in the middle of the street on a rainy day. Oh ya, don't try to stop a truck by running in front of it either. Any more? Don't pick up on girls when its raining outside and they are clearly wet adn cold and want to go home.
I had to go find the dead guy's car.
My boss has been out of the office for a few days and he asked me on Tuesday if I could go find this guys car. His instructions were... "Somewhere in these boxes you'll find his keys, his registration, and the title to his car - find those then go look for his car."
Yesterday it was raining all day so I figured I'd go today. Unfortunately, I hung around the office for a bit too long waiting for some woman to return my call (it was a little urgent) before I headed out. I finally found the guys "stuff" in his box and was on my way out when I realized I hadn't grabbed his current address. Back up I went. Found the address. Left again - then I realize - car? what do i do when i find it. Back up I went to ask the other boss. We called him - he said just find the car. Thats it. So I headed out again.
As I stepped out - I noticed it was gloomy. Eh, what are the chances it'll actually rain? I kept walking. About a block away, I felt a few drops on me. I feel "a few drops" so often - and quite often, it does not turn into rain. So I decided against going back for my umbrella and kept walking.
A few more blocks, I passed a happy couple. Actually, the guy seemed miserable and the woman was complaining about something as he stared into space. They were trailer trashy looking people.... not exactly the classy type (I'm guessing late 30's ish). As I walked past them, I heard a kiss. Nah, I must be hearing things... The woman was clearly angered by something though because she kicked it up a notch and started chewing his head off. When I felt I was at a safe distance, I turned around - there he was, head resting on his hands which were resting on something (it was either a tool - like a shovel - or just a piece of wood) staring in my direction. Ew.
I kept walking. At this point the drops had turned into a drizzle. A little drizzle never hurt anyone... I semi folded the papers down the middle (I didn't want to crease them) and stuck them under my jacket, under my arm. By jacket, I mean, thin black cardigan (under which I was wearing a sleevless top). I finally arrived at the building. I pulled out the papers and quickly read the VIN number and type/make of the car - hoping they wouldn't get too wet white I was standing there. I looked up and down the street - no luck Then I turned the corner - BAM! Right there in front of the building was the exact make and model - and probably the same year. I quickly read the VIN. First three letters.... I was ready to go home! But I kept reading - fourth one didn't match.... This paper must be wrong. I whipped out the title. WRONG!?!?!? Damnit! I walked up and down the parking lot (small lot fortunately) and then headed across the street to another parking lot. I finally found the car but apparently aroused some suspicion. As I was leaving a resident of the building (its an old folks home) called out to me, "Whatcha lookin for?" "A car. I found it. Thank you sir." I smiled and kept walking. I KNOW after 2 months of working with them how these old people can be - and one simple explanation leads to endless questions so I just kept on walking.
The rain picked up. So did the wind. My hair was wet by now and dripping down my face. I tried to pick up my pace but my flip flops were also wet and my foot was sliding all over the place. I was getting pebbles under my feet and I could tell that my pants were soaking up the water from the ground. Great!
I hurriedly crossed a street and as I made it to the other end I heard a man shout from across the street - "Hey Girl!" I almost didn't turn around. Thank goodness I did. "You dropped some papers," he shouted, pointing to the intersection.
AHHHHHHHHHH! What? I ran back to the intersection but by now the light had changed - a few cars had just barely missed the papers but a truck was dangerously close (the papers - paper actually as I later discovered - was more towards the curb than the middle of the street) so I ran and jumped in front of it (smart, i know) and quickly grabbed the paper. I was relieved to see that it had barely even gotten wet (landed on a higher spot and not in a puddle) and turned and shouted "Thank you!" to the guy across the street and started walking. The whole time, I assumed the other papers were still under my arm. But as I came to put this paper back with its paper friends, I realize... uh oh.
"Hey Girl - There's more." Great! I turned around but didn't see any papers - I looked at the guy again hoping for some "direction" - he pointed and said, "back there." And thats when I saw them. The title and the registration laying in the middle of the street. The wind had blown them back and cars were coming at it - this is an awful street - between two intersections - one with a green light and the other with no light - where cars are constantly making super fast left turns - and no one was stopping. Another truck (red like the first one) was coming down the street again - this time, the truck was not "dangerously close" but rather, directly in line with the papers. Again, I jumped in front of the truck (in the background I heard the man yelling, "Dont get hit by a car" - Don't get hit? Did he realize these were important papers?). This time, it was a little more scary. The previous truck had seen me running and had slowed down - this truck had no idea I was coming - I held up my hand, praying he would stop....
He did. And thank god because I don't think I'd make good road kill. I quickly grabbed the papers - trying hard not to rip them - and ran. The papers were drenched but in tact. I carefully tried to unfold and uncrinkle them and put them with the other paper. They were too wet to roll up and put under my arm again so as I started walking I decided to use my jacket as a sheet protector. As I started stripping off my jacket (which is apparently what it looked like to some people) - I heard a group of guy sitting on some steps across the street say, "That's a cute one."
What am I? A DOG? I kept walking. My pants wet up to my knees almost. My hair - still dripping in my face - stuck to my head in parts and medusa-esque in other parts. I felt my head starting to hurt. I managed to get my jacket off and as I was wrapping it around the sheets of paper, one of the aforementioned "gentleman" came up alongside me and started walking with me.
"Hi"
"Hi" Is he serious? I have mascara running down my face and I look like a wet dog... he can't really be serious!
"Its a little rainy today"
A LITTLE RAINY? "Sure is"
"I was wondering if I could get your name? ... if you don't mind"
I mind buddy! I started laughing. "Sorry, I don't "give out" my name"
"Oh, alright. I understand." (...something something somethign - at this point, he stopped walking and I stopped listening but he was saying something about being safe "nowadays")
RIGHT!
Home? Almost? Yes, I was almost home. Sorta. But the rain was not helping. I finally reached the familiar path - under the bridge, along the train tracks, cross the street, up half a block to our building. Home.
So the moral of the story? Don't leave home without an umbrella. If you do, bring cash so you can buy one - or get a cab. And don't drop important papers that your boss asked you for in the middle of the street on a rainy day. Oh ya, don't try to stop a truck by running in front of it either. Any more? Don't pick up on girls when its raining outside and they are clearly wet adn cold and want to go home.
Monday, July 16, 2007
excitement, anticipation, stress, anxiety.... ah!!!
I am so excited about this upcoming school year. But, I'm also stressed. There is just so much riding on the first few weeks of the fall semester. AND there is such potential for a great year. AH!
The stress part - obviously - is the job hunting. I'm looking at a list of 200 law firms... and I can't tell one from the other. They also say the same thing - same pay (give or take a little), same practice areas (for the most part) - same same same. They all say the same thing about their summer associates and their summer programs. So obviously websites aren't the best way to go but any other way is just so time consuming... its taking forever. It doesn't help that I have no idea what type of law I'd like to practice. And it ESPECIALLY doesn't help to know that this job is potentially where I'll be for the next several years of my life. It's July 2007 and I have to figure out what exactly I'd like to do between September 2009 and sometime in 2014 (I mean, you can leave when you'd like - but ideally....) I can't make petty decisions about what to eat for dinner - how am I supposed to decide where I'd like to work? What if I get it all wrong? Heck, what if I apply to all the firms that DON'T want me! ah!
Basically - AH! WTF DO I DO!?!?!?!
But the better stuff?
I made it onto International Law Journal. I really wasn't expecting it. I don't think I did well on my writing competition (that's what happens when you go to LA and celebrate your birthday rather than staying back and working on it!) - and it seemed that a lot of people were interested in ILJ. But hey, I won't question it. It was my first choice (aside from the obligatory Law Review at the top of all of our lists..) and I think it'll be fun. Oh, and it seems we have a pretty fun group going so far. Of course, two social lubers in a journal together might make for some... uh... interesting.... journal family outtings.
Oh ya, ILJ has a great office with a gorgeous view of the Charles River. Nanee nanee boo boo. (I know, I know, many of the offices have decent views - I'm just excited - seeing as how I'll likely be spending a great deal of time in there - I've always wanted an apartment with a view!)
And then there's all the other fun stuff. SGA (student gov't - or student bar for you law students) = booze cruise, ski trip, bar reviews, prom, and more! International Law Society - with Jen and Kaitlin running the show, its bound to be an interesting year. And then of course the Legislative Clinic (working with the Mass Legislature in the Spring semester - woohoo!). AND! Moot Court. Okay, so, we still have to figure this one out... but Lisa and I just decided that we're going to tough it out because neither of us were willing to finish our law school careers without some moot court competitions! We're going to kick ass for sure.
The stress part - obviously - is the job hunting. I'm looking at a list of 200 law firms... and I can't tell one from the other. They also say the same thing - same pay (give or take a little), same practice areas (for the most part) - same same same. They all say the same thing about their summer associates and their summer programs. So obviously websites aren't the best way to go but any other way is just so time consuming... its taking forever. It doesn't help that I have no idea what type of law I'd like to practice. And it ESPECIALLY doesn't help to know that this job is potentially where I'll be for the next several years of my life. It's July 2007 and I have to figure out what exactly I'd like to do between September 2009 and sometime in 2014 (I mean, you can leave when you'd like - but ideally....) I can't make petty decisions about what to eat for dinner - how am I supposed to decide where I'd like to work? What if I get it all wrong? Heck, what if I apply to all the firms that DON'T want me! ah!
Basically - AH! WTF DO I DO!?!?!?!
But the better stuff?
I made it onto International Law Journal. I really wasn't expecting it. I don't think I did well on my writing competition (that's what happens when you go to LA and celebrate your birthday rather than staying back and working on it!) - and it seemed that a lot of people were interested in ILJ. But hey, I won't question it. It was my first choice (aside from the obligatory Law Review at the top of all of our lists..) and I think it'll be fun. Oh, and it seems we have a pretty fun group going so far. Of course, two social lubers in a journal together might make for some... uh... interesting.... journal family outtings.
Oh ya, ILJ has a great office with a gorgeous view of the Charles River. Nanee nanee boo boo. (I know, I know, many of the offices have decent views - I'm just excited - seeing as how I'll likely be spending a great deal of time in there - I've always wanted an apartment with a view!)
And then there's all the other fun stuff. SGA (student gov't - or student bar for you law students) = booze cruise, ski trip, bar reviews, prom, and more! International Law Society - with Jen and Kaitlin running the show, its bound to be an interesting year. And then of course the Legislative Clinic (working with the Mass Legislature in the Spring semester - woohoo!). AND! Moot Court. Okay, so, we still have to figure this one out... but Lisa and I just decided that we're going to tough it out because neither of us were willing to finish our law school careers without some moot court competitions! We're going to kick ass for sure.
Friday, July 13, 2007
another day... another blog
I'm on a roll.
I went for a jog/walk yesterday. This time - jogged the reservoir and walked around the pond. It was a decent workout...
When I was jogging at the pond the day before, I passed a little boy - he was maybe 2 (I'm so bad at guessing baby ages!). And as I jogged past him, he started to run after me. He was so adorable. He had the biggest smile on his face and he was doing that unstable wobble run that little kids do when they aren't quite stead on their feet yet. His mom kept calling him back but he just kept jogging along next to me. I slowed down and smiled at him and he stopped and smiled ear to ear. I told him to go back to mommy and he just sorta stared for a few more seconds - then I ran off and he finally gave up.
It was cute. (What? I've given up on the older ones... they're all imbecils and cheats... might as well get them while theyre young! it worked for that teacher...)
(i'm just kidding - they're not all cheats...)
Anyway.
I've been listening to a lot of armo the past few days thanks to mike. There's this song harout sings - Zoganch - (the guy's mother in law). As you can imagine, its meant to be an amusing song. My fav line he says - My mother in law is a sick woman. Her left ear hurts a lot. But her tongue is very healthy... (there is another line here that I can't figure out - Mike? Lev? Lilith? - its about 4:40 into the song)
I think that line is pretty amusing.
So, Harout is going to be singing at my wedding (someday) (hopefully) - would it be inappropriate if he sang that song? Would it come off as an insulting dedication from my husband to my mother? Arbel, would mom even notice?
I think it'd be hilarious. C'mon, its a wedding - i'm sure there are plenty of in-law jokes flying by then.... We can have a little fun with it too, no?
I went for a jog/walk yesterday. This time - jogged the reservoir and walked around the pond. It was a decent workout...
When I was jogging at the pond the day before, I passed a little boy - he was maybe 2 (I'm so bad at guessing baby ages!). And as I jogged past him, he started to run after me. He was so adorable. He had the biggest smile on his face and he was doing that unstable wobble run that little kids do when they aren't quite stead on their feet yet. His mom kept calling him back but he just kept jogging along next to me. I slowed down and smiled at him and he stopped and smiled ear to ear. I told him to go back to mommy and he just sorta stared for a few more seconds - then I ran off and he finally gave up.
It was cute. (What? I've given up on the older ones... they're all imbecils and cheats... might as well get them while theyre young! it worked for that teacher...)
(i'm just kidding - they're not all cheats...)
Anyway.
I've been listening to a lot of armo the past few days thanks to mike. There's this song harout sings - Zoganch - (the guy's mother in law). As you can imagine, its meant to be an amusing song. My fav line he says - My mother in law is a sick woman. Her left ear hurts a lot. But her tongue is very healthy... (there is another line here that I can't figure out - Mike? Lev? Lilith? - its about 4:40 into the song)
I think that line is pretty amusing.
So, Harout is going to be singing at my wedding (someday) (hopefully) - would it be inappropriate if he sang that song? Would it come off as an insulting dedication from my husband to my mother? Arbel, would mom even notice?
I think it'd be hilarious. C'mon, its a wedding - i'm sure there are plenty of in-law jokes flying by then.... We can have a little fun with it too, no?
Thursday, July 12, 2007
This one is for Mike (and Levon)
Mike is right - I forgot to mention Niagara.
So, on our way home, the three of us decided to make a short stop at Niagara. Mike had to catch a plan in Buffalo at 2:45 so we had to make it quick. First we had a parking issue - you see, the boys had spent all their loonies and toonies (no, not cartoons - canadian money) because they figured they couldn't do anything with the funny money in the states. As we pulled into the first lot we realized that between the three of us, we had almost nothing. Well, I had about 2.50 in quarters and mike had a loonie and a toonie and lev had two dollars... or something like that. Parking was 10. So we went to another spot - some bird thing (like an aviary) and when we told the guy it'd only be for ten minutes, he seemed to shrug us off "Ya, i've heard that before!" - well, apparently we won him over because he let us park for $5 (instead of 10). Then we made a mad dash over to a little lookout/view point thing. We took a few quick pictures - stared in awe - took a few more pictures - then the boys ran back to get the car while I waited (ya I'm lazy - so what?). Soon we were on our way.
By the way - those darn people at the border... scare me. "Where were you? When did you go?" (they ask everything twice - and rephrase it - to try and throw you off). When he asked for the second time if we purchased anything in canada I felt like saying, "some hemorrhoid cream, penis rings and depends.... wanna see?" - i didn't. maybe I should have told him we had bought some alcohol and i could puke it up for him if he cared to see. anyway, they let us through (mike was a little worried - he was almost NOT let back into the US on his first trip on friday....)
And the town by niagara is awful. There was one gas station - full service - one pump (from like 1952 or somethign) - i wish i took a picture. The entire city (it wasn't super tiny) was just falling apart. so sad.
And for those who care... we did get mike to the airport on time.
One last thing - I should mention that if it wasn't for Levon, I wouldn't have even gone on this trip so thanks Lev for making it happen.
So, on our way home, the three of us decided to make a short stop at Niagara. Mike had to catch a plan in Buffalo at 2:45 so we had to make it quick. First we had a parking issue - you see, the boys had spent all their loonies and toonies (no, not cartoons - canadian money) because they figured they couldn't do anything with the funny money in the states. As we pulled into the first lot we realized that between the three of us, we had almost nothing. Well, I had about 2.50 in quarters and mike had a loonie and a toonie and lev had two dollars... or something like that. Parking was 10. So we went to another spot - some bird thing (like an aviary) and when we told the guy it'd only be for ten minutes, he seemed to shrug us off "Ya, i've heard that before!" - well, apparently we won him over because he let us park for $5 (instead of 10). Then we made a mad dash over to a little lookout/view point thing. We took a few quick pictures - stared in awe - took a few more pictures - then the boys ran back to get the car while I waited (ya I'm lazy - so what?). Soon we were on our way.
By the way - those darn people at the border... scare me. "Where were you? When did you go?" (they ask everything twice - and rephrase it - to try and throw you off). When he asked for the second time if we purchased anything in canada I felt like saying, "some hemorrhoid cream, penis rings and depends.... wanna see?" - i didn't. maybe I should have told him we had bought some alcohol and i could puke it up for him if he cared to see. anyway, they let us through (mike was a little worried - he was almost NOT let back into the US on his first trip on friday....)
And the town by niagara is awful. There was one gas station - full service - one pump (from like 1952 or somethign) - i wish i took a picture. The entire city (it wasn't super tiny) was just falling apart. so sad.
And for those who care... we did get mike to the airport on time.
One last thing - I should mention that if it wasn't for Levon, I wouldn't have even gone on this trip so thanks Lev for making it happen.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Dear Mr. Sinanyan/Sinanian...
...I'm interested... call me! (j/k)
---------
Great post about Armenian last names. Towards the end of the article, you'll see the reference to Sinanyans...
http://www.cobjectively.com/2007/05/23/all-about-armenian-last-names/
---------
Great post about Armenian last names. Towards the end of the article, you'll see the reference to Sinanyans...
http://www.cobjectively.com/2007/05/23/all-about-armenian-last-names/
Why oh why...
does this guy still have a job?
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/10/gonzales.fbi/index.html
and...
I love HUSTLER - and Mr. Flynt. Honestly, this guy is 100 times cooler than Heff.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/10/gonzales.fbi/index.html
Why do I love him? Well, you may have heard of the wonderful Senator Vitter (R - yes, R for Republican - from Louisiana) who recently confessed to having sex with hookers... (too bad he couldn't get head from his intern - it might have prevented this scandal). Well, apparently, Flynt played a role in bringing this information to light (see above article).
Here's my favorite part:
" Flynt took out a full-page ad in The Washington Post in June to offer $1 million for "documented evidence of illicit sexual or intimate relations with a congressman or senator."
Flynt launched a similar campaign in 1998 in an effort to counter the drive to impeach then-President Bill Clinton over allegations that he had lied about his relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Moldea worked with Flynt in that effort as well.
Hustler's search led to the resignation of House Speaker-designate Robert Livingston -- whose congressional seat Vitter won the next year."
Did you get that last part? Same seat. Haha. Looks like the wives in that county don't put out...
Oh yes, and another interesting point: This Vitter supported a ban on same-sex marriages. I guess he too would like to argue that gay couples destroy the sanctity of marriage. I guess he doesn't see infidelity as a threat to marriage.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/10/gonzales.fbi/index.html
and...
I love HUSTLER - and Mr. Flynt. Honestly, this guy is 100 times cooler than Heff.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/10/gonzales.fbi/index.html
Why do I love him? Well, you may have heard of the wonderful Senator Vitter (R - yes, R for Republican - from Louisiana) who recently confessed to having sex with hookers... (too bad he couldn't get head from his intern - it might have prevented this scandal). Well, apparently, Flynt played a role in bringing this information to light (see above article).
Here's my favorite part:
" Flynt took out a full-page ad in The Washington Post in June to offer $1 million for "documented evidence of illicit sexual or intimate relations with a congressman or senator."
Flynt launched a similar campaign in 1998 in an effort to counter the drive to impeach then-President Bill Clinton over allegations that he had lied about his relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Moldea worked with Flynt in that effort as well.
Hustler's search led to the resignation of House Speaker-designate Robert Livingston -- whose congressional seat Vitter won the next year."
Did you get that last part? Same seat. Haha. Looks like the wives in that county don't put out...
Oh yes, and another interesting point: This Vitter supported a ban on same-sex marriages. I guess he too would like to argue that gay couples destroy the sanctity of marriage. I guess he doesn't see infidelity as a threat to marriage.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Qwe-Beck-Wah
I'm BAAAAAAACK!
What a weekend! Where to start?
How about the beginning? We had an awful time leaving Boston on Friday. We woke up early (6:00 am) with the intention of leaving Boston by 8am. We got to the rental place close to 8:30 only to find out that they wouldn't rent to us because we had CA licenses and no "return trip" itinerary. So we had to shuttle it back to the airport and find another place to rent from. We ended up at Budget but the line was out the door so it took forever! The nice part was that the guy gave us a Ford Escape for the price of an economy car (ya, i know, gas guzzler - not ideal for a 10 hour drive... BUT it was nice inside, comfy - and had a cd player unlike the enterprise car we were planning to rent - assholes. don't rent from enterprise).
Anyway, so we finally hit the road around 11. Mike was landing in Buffalo around noon. Buffalo is a 6-7 hour drive. We managed to get to buffalo around 5:30. Mike had taken a day trip to Niagara while waiting for us so we waited for him to get back and return his rental then we all hopped in the car and headed across the border.
We stopped for food and gas - and went in the wrong direction for awhile - so it was 9:30 by the time we got to our hotel (still light outside! yay!). Andy took the stage just as we were walking to our room - needless to say I was quite bummed about that. We all changed and started boozing before heading downstairs. In the elevator we bumped into the "philly boys" (the guys I met/partied with while I was in DC) and an old friend from HS. It was so random to bump into them in the elevator. Especially someone from GHS! So we made a detour to their room then back down to Andy... just in time to catch his last song (he did a duo with Armenchik). So, Levon now owes me an Andy concert.... (haha, he is dreading that one for sure). Armenchik was great. We danced... danced.... kept dancing. Let me tell you - jumping around in that heat can be exhausting. I was drenched. And hot. But thats just the price you pay at an Armo fest. Def. worth it.
Saturday we slept in then headed to downtown Toronto for lunch. After lunch we took a little trip to the lake where the boys spent half the afternoon skipping stones and killing ladybugs. I mean, the didn't intentionally kill them but I blame them for the ladybugs' suicide flight into the water....
Next we headed to the CN Tower - had more lunch (okay - maybe early dinner?) and dessert. After a nice meal we went to the glass floor level where i had a hell of a time convincing Mike and Levon to stand on the glass floor and look down. Mike had finally managed to step onto the glass when someone started jumpnig up and down right next to him. Mike's reaction was truly priceless (I'll post a picture - promise)... Levon had to be coaxed and coerced onto the glass... and thanks to Mike, we have it all on video... muahahahaha!
Anyway, that was great fun. Afterwards we headed back to the room to get ready for Armenchik and Paul. (We had a drink for the ladybug that lost his/her life in the lake). Saturday night we were a little more determined to drink and put quite a dent in the alcohol... and we all know what that means - Drunk Alina! Yay. I don't remember much - except that I kept having to run upstairs to pee. Shortly after Paul came on, I headed upstairs (again) and apparently this time I passed out. So sad. Its okay though - I'm not the hugest Paul fan.
Sunday - I was hungover all day so I went to eat with the boys then went back to the room to "nap" while they went to the Hockey hall of fame. Um... I didn't quite get to nap because I felt like my heart was going to stop. We later took a trip to the icky indoor pool and then came upstairs and relaxed in the room for a while. After getting ready we listened out the window and figured Tata wasn't on yet so we lagged it some more and had some more drinks... of course, Tata WAS on so we were about an hour late to see him. (Tear).
Tata was... GREAT. First off, it had rained that day so the ground was wet and the air was humid. I don't mean humid like "sticky" humid. It was sticky - but it was also just WET. It was like being in a damn sauna. The tent didn't help. Neither did the several hundred people dancing. Being the groupie wannabes that we are - we squeezed towards the front so we could scream and shout and sing along. Tata was great - and the crowd loved him - as Mike said, "Tata was a rockstar, he could have peed on the audience and they would have gone crazy" - okay, so maybe not pee - but he was squirting water at the crowd and giving out waterbottles and people were just going crazy. He sang all the best songs. (Does Tata have un-great songs?) We went upstairs for intermission and ended up in the elevator with Tata and his bandmates. I had left my camera with Mike so I looked at Lev and said something along the lines of "gr, my camera" and lev said to tata, "she wanted to take a picture with you" and he said something like, "haskatsa" (I understood) which seemed very RUDE to me. It broke my heart. This guy is supposed to be my wedding singer. He can't be rude. And he's so fun on stage. I really was bummed. Anyway, we found out that part of his band was in the room next to us and the rest of them were mostly somewhere in our hall. We were going to try to hunt them down but by the time the concert was over I was so tired (and my poor feet were hating me) so we sorta gave up. (Actually, thats a lie - I did sit in the hallway by the elevator for awhile but I only saw the band go up - Tata either took a back door and went up before/after the band did and I didn't catch him. damn!) YES! I am a loser. But its Tata. Dude. Shabadabadashdash. Must I say anymore?
On the way back down we bumped into a Tufenkjian from SD who became best buds with Mike (Tufenkjians are famous for those who don't know). She told us all about her wealth. I did not really want to hear about her homes in the bahamas. After a while, we went back to our spot near the stage but about 30 min later we gave up and started dancing on the sides... towards the end we just started dancing by the bar. Sunday ended around 1 (the other two nights ended around 2/2:30). But I was tired so ya, that was the end of the night for us.
On the way back, I drove for a bit. I got to drive in Boston for the first time. It was as bad as I thought. But I was happy to finally find my way around... it was nice to figure out where things are in relation to each other (its difficult when you're always on the T). The strangest thing about this state though is those damn "Lane Shifts" - for a few hundred feet they post these bright orange signs that say "Lane Shift" "Stay in Lane" - then suddenly the white dotted lines become solid (for some odd reason, theyre worried that you won't be able to change your lane during a lane shift) and then the road sorta curves... very softly... like honestly just a few degrees. Nothing that you'd even slow down for. (Seriously, its like a 5 degree shift!) Yet for some reason, the speed limit is 45 in these zones. I just don't get it.
As for Qwe-beck-wah. Well, we were trying to figure out what the Q.E.W. highway in Toronto stands for. Mike called it the Qwe-Beck-Wah and it just stuck.... At one point we asked a police officer for directions and when he told us to get back on the QEW I was momentarily confused and almost asked, "Do you mean the Qwe-Beck-Wah" - thank god I controlled that blond moment.
Thats it for my loooong post. Cheers.
What a weekend! Where to start?
How about the beginning? We had an awful time leaving Boston on Friday. We woke up early (6:00 am) with the intention of leaving Boston by 8am. We got to the rental place close to 8:30 only to find out that they wouldn't rent to us because we had CA licenses and no "return trip" itinerary. So we had to shuttle it back to the airport and find another place to rent from. We ended up at Budget but the line was out the door so it took forever! The nice part was that the guy gave us a Ford Escape for the price of an economy car (ya, i know, gas guzzler - not ideal for a 10 hour drive... BUT it was nice inside, comfy - and had a cd player unlike the enterprise car we were planning to rent - assholes. don't rent from enterprise).
Anyway, so we finally hit the road around 11. Mike was landing in Buffalo around noon. Buffalo is a 6-7 hour drive. We managed to get to buffalo around 5:30. Mike had taken a day trip to Niagara while waiting for us so we waited for him to get back and return his rental then we all hopped in the car and headed across the border.
We stopped for food and gas - and went in the wrong direction for awhile - so it was 9:30 by the time we got to our hotel (still light outside! yay!). Andy took the stage just as we were walking to our room - needless to say I was quite bummed about that. We all changed and started boozing before heading downstairs. In the elevator we bumped into the "philly boys" (the guys I met/partied with while I was in DC) and an old friend from HS. It was so random to bump into them in the elevator. Especially someone from GHS! So we made a detour to their room then back down to Andy... just in time to catch his last song (he did a duo with Armenchik). So, Levon now owes me an Andy concert.... (haha, he is dreading that one for sure). Armenchik was great. We danced... danced.... kept dancing. Let me tell you - jumping around in that heat can be exhausting. I was drenched. And hot. But thats just the price you pay at an Armo fest. Def. worth it.
Saturday we slept in then headed to downtown Toronto for lunch. After lunch we took a little trip to the lake where the boys spent half the afternoon skipping stones and killing ladybugs. I mean, the didn't intentionally kill them but I blame them for the ladybugs' suicide flight into the water....
Next we headed to the CN Tower - had more lunch (okay - maybe early dinner?) and dessert. After a nice meal we went to the glass floor level where i had a hell of a time convincing Mike and Levon to stand on the glass floor and look down. Mike had finally managed to step onto the glass when someone started jumpnig up and down right next to him. Mike's reaction was truly priceless (I'll post a picture - promise)... Levon had to be coaxed and coerced onto the glass... and thanks to Mike, we have it all on video... muahahahaha!
Anyway, that was great fun. Afterwards we headed back to the room to get ready for Armenchik and Paul. (We had a drink for the ladybug that lost his/her life in the lake). Saturday night we were a little more determined to drink and put quite a dent in the alcohol... and we all know what that means - Drunk Alina! Yay. I don't remember much - except that I kept having to run upstairs to pee. Shortly after Paul came on, I headed upstairs (again) and apparently this time I passed out. So sad. Its okay though - I'm not the hugest Paul fan.
Sunday - I was hungover all day so I went to eat with the boys then went back to the room to "nap" while they went to the Hockey hall of fame. Um... I didn't quite get to nap because I felt like my heart was going to stop. We later took a trip to the icky indoor pool and then came upstairs and relaxed in the room for a while. After getting ready we listened out the window and figured Tata wasn't on yet so we lagged it some more and had some more drinks... of course, Tata WAS on so we were about an hour late to see him. (Tear).
Tata was... GREAT. First off, it had rained that day so the ground was wet and the air was humid. I don't mean humid like "sticky" humid. It was sticky - but it was also just WET. It was like being in a damn sauna. The tent didn't help. Neither did the several hundred people dancing. Being the groupie wannabes that we are - we squeezed towards the front so we could scream and shout and sing along. Tata was great - and the crowd loved him - as Mike said, "Tata was a rockstar, he could have peed on the audience and they would have gone crazy" - okay, so maybe not pee - but he was squirting water at the crowd and giving out waterbottles and people were just going crazy. He sang all the best songs. (Does Tata have un-great songs?) We went upstairs for intermission and ended up in the elevator with Tata and his bandmates. I had left my camera with Mike so I looked at Lev and said something along the lines of "gr, my camera" and lev said to tata, "she wanted to take a picture with you" and he said something like, "haskatsa" (I understood) which seemed very RUDE to me. It broke my heart. This guy is supposed to be my wedding singer. He can't be rude. And he's so fun on stage. I really was bummed. Anyway, we found out that part of his band was in the room next to us and the rest of them were mostly somewhere in our hall. We were going to try to hunt them down but by the time the concert was over I was so tired (and my poor feet were hating me) so we sorta gave up. (Actually, thats a lie - I did sit in the hallway by the elevator for awhile but I only saw the band go up - Tata either took a back door and went up before/after the band did and I didn't catch him. damn!) YES! I am a loser. But its Tata. Dude. Shabadabadashdash. Must I say anymore?
On the way back down we bumped into a Tufenkjian from SD who became best buds with Mike (Tufenkjians are famous for those who don't know). She told us all about her wealth. I did not really want to hear about her homes in the bahamas. After a while, we went back to our spot near the stage but about 30 min later we gave up and started dancing on the sides... towards the end we just started dancing by the bar. Sunday ended around 1 (the other two nights ended around 2/2:30). But I was tired so ya, that was the end of the night for us.
On the way back, I drove for a bit. I got to drive in Boston for the first time. It was as bad as I thought. But I was happy to finally find my way around... it was nice to figure out where things are in relation to each other (its difficult when you're always on the T). The strangest thing about this state though is those damn "Lane Shifts" - for a few hundred feet they post these bright orange signs that say "Lane Shift" "Stay in Lane" - then suddenly the white dotted lines become solid (for some odd reason, theyre worried that you won't be able to change your lane during a lane shift) and then the road sorta curves... very softly... like honestly just a few degrees. Nothing that you'd even slow down for. (Seriously, its like a 5 degree shift!) Yet for some reason, the speed limit is 45 in these zones. I just don't get it.
As for Qwe-beck-wah. Well, we were trying to figure out what the Q.E.W. highway in Toronto stands for. Mike called it the Qwe-Beck-Wah and it just stuck.... At one point we asked a police officer for directions and when he told us to get back on the QEW I was momentarily confused and almost asked, "Do you mean the Qwe-Beck-Wah" - thank god I controlled that blond moment.
Thats it for my loooong post. Cheers.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
What a week...
Boy oh boy... where to start?
How about last week?
Friday - I joined Chris for his Friday night dinner party. It was really great to see some BU friends again - aside from those who show up to Rattlesnake. Post dinner we all headed out to... uh... where'd we go? Oh ya! Our House (um... the bar, not my house). Had several more drinks. Got into some political conversations. Talked to some cute british boy (for a friend - i was just trying to "keep him" until she could talk to him :) - such a cutie though!). Had some pizza on the way home - an allston bar outing tradition for me. finally crawled into bed around 1 am.
saturday - hopped on a bus to NY. Went straight from the bus "stop" to the Czech Beer Gardens in Astoria (oh, I stopped and bought really cute earings for $1 ea! ya, i love new york too). So, beer gardens - this awesome outdoor area with lots of picnic tables/benches and a huge afternoon drinking crowd. You just get pitchers, sit in the sun, and hang out with friends. We had a good time. When we left around 5 or so, the line to get in was practically around the corner. insane.
afterwards we went to a cafe-ish place (they had coffee, I had beer) - then home for a night of great conversations - and the a house party. Of course, on our way to the house party, Armen made it clear that he was going to lock the TOP LOCK so that he and Hasmig would both have a key (hasmig didn't have a key to the bottom lock). As he stepped into the hallway, he closed the front door behind him and it seems, as soon as it clicked shut, he remembered that he had locked the bottom lock and left the key inside.
Now, I'm sure you all know - you don't leave the house in NY at 9 pm. You leave close to midnight. And so, the landlord wasn't there - Armen didn't have his phone - Has didn't have his number. Fun stuff. So we went to the party and tried to stay out all night but around 4 am we were all too exhausted so we headed back and Armen made a heroic climb up the fire escape, past the sleeping naked neighbor's open window and up to their apartment. It was a sight to see. Fortunately , we didn't get the cops called on us. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the ladder back up! oopsie!
Sunday was a lazy day (afterall, we slept at 5). We had a nice little brunch then headed back to Armen/Hasmig's and I left later that afternoon. Good times :)
Yesterday was the 4th fireworks show. It was cold and wet and icky - but the show was spectacular! Oh and Mellencamp disappointed with his song choice! What happened to Jack and Diane?!?!?! Gr. But the hot dogs were delicious, the jets were cool, the fireworks were awesome and the experience was memorable! (yes, did you hear that, i said memorable - and i was drunk! if i remember something, it must be memorable).
Oh ya, and on Monday I went for a jog. You know whats sad... I work out so little that when I do I always find it blog-worthy. Sad. I know. But i must break that so i can get my abs in shape for Puerto Rico (yay!). Anyway, I went up and jogged around the reservoir. Sarah was right - it is gorgeous. The pink and blue sky with pretty fluffy white clouds reflected on the water - the sunset - the weather. It was a relaxing way to spend my early evening. If you're in the area, I recommend a jog there.
Okay, those are my updates. Sorry they're dry.
Oh ya, and... TORONTO TOMORROW! Armenchik, Andy, Paul and TATA... here we come :)
How about last week?
Friday - I joined Chris for his Friday night dinner party. It was really great to see some BU friends again - aside from those who show up to Rattlesnake. Post dinner we all headed out to... uh... where'd we go? Oh ya! Our House (um... the bar, not my house). Had several more drinks. Got into some political conversations. Talked to some cute british boy (for a friend - i was just trying to "keep him" until she could talk to him :) - such a cutie though!). Had some pizza on the way home - an allston bar outing tradition for me. finally crawled into bed around 1 am.
saturday - hopped on a bus to NY. Went straight from the bus "stop" to the Czech Beer Gardens in Astoria (oh, I stopped and bought really cute earings for $1 ea! ya, i love new york too). So, beer gardens - this awesome outdoor area with lots of picnic tables/benches and a huge afternoon drinking crowd. You just get pitchers, sit in the sun, and hang out with friends. We had a good time. When we left around 5 or so, the line to get in was practically around the corner. insane.
afterwards we went to a cafe-ish place (they had coffee, I had beer) - then home for a night of great conversations - and the a house party. Of course, on our way to the house party, Armen made it clear that he was going to lock the TOP LOCK so that he and Hasmig would both have a key (hasmig didn't have a key to the bottom lock). As he stepped into the hallway, he closed the front door behind him and it seems, as soon as it clicked shut, he remembered that he had locked the bottom lock and left the key inside.
Now, I'm sure you all know - you don't leave the house in NY at 9 pm. You leave close to midnight. And so, the landlord wasn't there - Armen didn't have his phone - Has didn't have his number. Fun stuff. So we went to the party and tried to stay out all night but around 4 am we were all too exhausted so we headed back and Armen made a heroic climb up the fire escape, past the sleeping naked neighbor's open window and up to their apartment. It was a sight to see. Fortunately , we didn't get the cops called on us. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the ladder back up! oopsie!
Sunday was a lazy day (afterall, we slept at 5). We had a nice little brunch then headed back to Armen/Hasmig's and I left later that afternoon. Good times :)
Yesterday was the 4th fireworks show. It was cold and wet and icky - but the show was spectacular! Oh and Mellencamp disappointed with his song choice! What happened to Jack and Diane?!?!?! Gr. But the hot dogs were delicious, the jets were cool, the fireworks were awesome and the experience was memorable! (yes, did you hear that, i said memorable - and i was drunk! if i remember something, it must be memorable).
Oh ya, and on Monday I went for a jog. You know whats sad... I work out so little that when I do I always find it blog-worthy. Sad. I know. But i must break that so i can get my abs in shape for Puerto Rico (yay!). Anyway, I went up and jogged around the reservoir. Sarah was right - it is gorgeous. The pink and blue sky with pretty fluffy white clouds reflected on the water - the sunset - the weather. It was a relaxing way to spend my early evening. If you're in the area, I recommend a jog there.
Okay, those are my updates. Sorry they're dry.
Oh ya, and... TORONTO TOMORROW! Armenchik, Andy, Paul and TATA... here we come :)
Friday, June 29, 2007
DUDE!
DUDE!
I am so super stoked about this summer. Let me tell you why...
June 30-July 1 = NY
July 4 = no explanation necessary
July 6-9 = Canada (Andy, Armenchik, Paul, Tata - and Toronto!)
July 14-15 = Cape Cod?
July 19 = GIRLS COME VISIT ME
July 26 - 29 = Head to NY with the Girls
Aug 3-5 = MAYBE Hedges Lake? Emily?
Aug 8-14 = Puerto Rico to visit Lisa
Aug 22 - ??? = New York again (I have to... I swear... It's for school/work!)
Labor Day Weekend = Jersey? Olympics? (Hopefully I can scrape together some last few pennies for that).
um... so much for doing ANYTHING in boston. I guess that will have to wait until the fall.
I am so super stoked about this summer. Let me tell you why...
June 30-July 1 = NY
July 4 = no explanation necessary
July 6-9 = Canada (Andy, Armenchik, Paul, Tata - and Toronto!)
July 14-15 = Cape Cod?
July 19 = GIRLS COME VISIT ME
July 26 - 29 = Head to NY with the Girls
Aug 3-5 = MAYBE Hedges Lake? Emily?
Aug 8-14 = Puerto Rico to visit Lisa
Aug 22 - ??? = New York again (I have to... I swear... It's for school/work!)
Labor Day Weekend = Jersey? Olympics? (Hopefully I can scrape together some last few pennies for that).
um... so much for doing ANYTHING in boston. I guess that will have to wait until the fall.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
another day, another stranger...
So much for not talking to strangers...
Yes, the T again. I honestly believe there is a tattoo on my forehead (in invisible-only-to-alina ink) that says, "talk to me!"
I got on the T at north station yesterday. As always, I had my book in hand... my thumb sorta holding my spot until I could find a spot to sit. When I got on, there was an empty seat next to some "young gentlemen" - probably someone about my age, on his way home from work. I sat down, opened my book and started reading...
"A wave of..."
"What book are you reading?"
Not really wanting to get involved in a conversation mid-sentence, midway into my book (okay, so maybe it was more like 1/3rd of the way)... I closed the book and turned it so he could see the binding.
"Lies and the lying liars who tell them," he read aloud.
Satisfied that I had sufficiently answered his question, I opened the book back up and started reading again...
" A wave of..."
"What is it about? Is it about men?"
I stared at him for a moment not sure how to answer. "Well, its by Al Franken, so I guess you'd probably call it a political book..."
"Oh."
Again, I went back to reading.
"A wave ..."
This time, I interrupted myself. "Wow," I said, looking up at him and laughing. "Way to incriminate yourself." (Way to break your "no talking to strangers" rule Alina!)
He laughed. "No. I mean. Well... I just feel like that seems to be the consensus."
I just sorta nodded and said okay. I might have said something along the lines of, "Sure, but I'm not sure you want to just admit to it."
Either way, he responded. "Not me. I'm just saying."
(me) "Well, you are male aren't you? You do fall into that category."
(him) "Ya, but I wasn't referring to myself. I mean..."
(me) "Right! I believe you..."
I went back to reading. He just sorta sat there smiling - not in a smug way - but the way you usually do after a joking/friendly exchange. The next stop was his and as we pulled in he signaled to me that he needed to get out so I slid over a bit and let him pass. As he exited out the door (just a few seats from me) he turned and said, "We're not all liars you know..."
"Sure!" I said... smiling and nodding.
He did seem like a nice guy. Too bad he has a penis.
Yes, the T again. I honestly believe there is a tattoo on my forehead (in invisible-only-to-alina ink) that says, "talk to me!"
I got on the T at north station yesterday. As always, I had my book in hand... my thumb sorta holding my spot until I could find a spot to sit. When I got on, there was an empty seat next to some "young gentlemen" - probably someone about my age, on his way home from work. I sat down, opened my book and started reading...
"A wave of..."
"What book are you reading?"
Not really wanting to get involved in a conversation mid-sentence, midway into my book (okay, so maybe it was more like 1/3rd of the way)... I closed the book and turned it so he could see the binding.
"Lies and the lying liars who tell them," he read aloud.
Satisfied that I had sufficiently answered his question, I opened the book back up and started reading again...
" A wave of..."
"What is it about? Is it about men?"
I stared at him for a moment not sure how to answer. "Well, its by Al Franken, so I guess you'd probably call it a political book..."
"Oh."
Again, I went back to reading.
"A wave ..."
This time, I interrupted myself. "Wow," I said, looking up at him and laughing. "Way to incriminate yourself." (Way to break your "no talking to strangers" rule Alina!)
He laughed. "No. I mean. Well... I just feel like that seems to be the consensus."
I just sorta nodded and said okay. I might have said something along the lines of, "Sure, but I'm not sure you want to just admit to it."
Either way, he responded. "Not me. I'm just saying."
(me) "Well, you are male aren't you? You do fall into that category."
(him) "Ya, but I wasn't referring to myself. I mean..."
(me) "Right! I believe you..."
I went back to reading. He just sorta sat there smiling - not in a smug way - but the way you usually do after a joking/friendly exchange. The next stop was his and as we pulled in he signaled to me that he needed to get out so I slid over a bit and let him pass. As he exited out the door (just a few seats from me) he turned and said, "We're not all liars you know..."
"Sure!" I said... smiling and nodding.
He did seem like a nice guy. Too bad he has a penis.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
secret admirers...
so, i tend to attract conversations on the T. There was the guy who told me about how his great granddad started the NFL and the other guy who talked to me about the war in iraq and how difficult it was to get accustomed to life back home. I admit that sometimes I might ask my neighbor a question or something which then sparks a conversation but half the time, I'm really just minding my own business. During finals I had my head phones on and was studying my flashcards and the older gentleman next to me kept asking me about school and my class and my future plans. I'd take my headphones out (don't want to be rude), answer his question, and put my headphones back in. I figured that was enough of a hint... guess not.
Well, the train chat just got a little more bizarre for me. Last tuesday, I was heading home after a few drinks (okay like 3/4ths a bottle of wine) and when I got on the T there was one empty seat next to this guy so I sat down. The guy started to talk to me.. introduced himself... yada yada. Again, trying not to be a bitch about it, I smiled, was polite but not super talkative. I mean, I'm sure I was more talkative than usual thanks to the wine but after awhile, I was just getting annoyed. There was this really hot guy sitting across from me and I was busy having a staring competition with him. But, the guy next to me just wouldn't stop... and every once in awhile I'd have to break my stare in order to respond to this guy. Gr.
On friday, I went to check my mailbox at work and noticed a letter addressed to Alena. Hm....
"Dear Fellow D-line passenger"
Now, I'm not sure it was that dude but I have a feeling it was that dude because I can't remember any other dude that I had enough of a convo with where I might mention where I work. He sent me a picture cut out of a magazine of some beach somewhere and a little note hoping this would "brighten" my day and asking if we could hang out....
uh, creepy.
I mean, perhaps its a little flattering but the guy looked up my work place (no, i do not have business cards... and i wouldn't have given him one anyway) and wrote out a letter... its just a little strange. Either he's desperate or I made a good first impression. (Probably the first, I know).
So, from now on, I will try my darndest to not strike up convos with strangers.
Well, the train chat just got a little more bizarre for me. Last tuesday, I was heading home after a few drinks (okay like 3/4ths a bottle of wine) and when I got on the T there was one empty seat next to this guy so I sat down. The guy started to talk to me.. introduced himself... yada yada. Again, trying not to be a bitch about it, I smiled, was polite but not super talkative. I mean, I'm sure I was more talkative than usual thanks to the wine but after awhile, I was just getting annoyed. There was this really hot guy sitting across from me and I was busy having a staring competition with him. But, the guy next to me just wouldn't stop... and every once in awhile I'd have to break my stare in order to respond to this guy. Gr.
On friday, I went to check my mailbox at work and noticed a letter addressed to Alena. Hm....
"Dear Fellow D-line passenger"
Now, I'm not sure it was that dude but I have a feeling it was that dude because I can't remember any other dude that I had enough of a convo with where I might mention where I work. He sent me a picture cut out of a magazine of some beach somewhere and a little note hoping this would "brighten" my day and asking if we could hang out....
uh, creepy.
I mean, perhaps its a little flattering but the guy looked up my work place (no, i do not have business cards... and i wouldn't have given him one anyway) and wrote out a letter... its just a little strange. Either he's desperate or I made a good first impression. (Probably the first, I know).
So, from now on, I will try my darndest to not strike up convos with strangers.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Weekends were made for relaxing.
The last few weeks I've been burning myself out during the week and by friday all i want to do is sleep. Last week there were several nights of drinking and dinner with friends. Friday night we had a little get together at our place (cranium of course... though next game night is catchphrase night i guess). Saturday I had to return some stuff so we spent a chunk of the day walking around downtown crossing... I really like it down there - dunno why. And then I went to a friend's grad party at her house - it was fantastic. Armenian family, Armenian food (too bad i had stuffed myself with sushi and couldn't fully enjoy the home cooking), Armenian music and dancing. (Thanks Lilith). Anyway, we had a good time, danced a bit and drank more than a bit. (Oh yes, had some interesting "assumptions" made about my love life... as always). Then on Sunday, headed out to Manchester by the Sea to lay out and "play" in the water... when a storm started to roll in, we packed up and headed out to Rockport (for the Mermaid, Fairy and Gnome festival!) - rockport is such a cute little place. Fun day trip though not a whole bunch of stuff to do. We had some yummy seafood on the Harbor and then headed home (well, made a pit stop at target to finally get some shelves and stuff for my room!!!! yay!)
This week was pretty much the same... except, we drank monday, tuesday (drunko alina passed out on the couch), thursday, friday, saturday, and sunday. Well, by drink I mean 1-2 beers or glasses of wine most nights. Throughout the week I worked on fixing up my room. Its finally starting to come together (and not look like a boring room with just a bed). I'm excited!
Saturday was our long overdue roomie night. Roomie nights at my house = GREAT food. And me trying to force everyone to drink. Sunday was a lazy day - i did nothing all day. Made some kookoo (the parska-hyes should know what I'm talking about). And later I went to see A Mighty Heart. Really good movie. I mean, we all know what the ending is but I think Jolie is stellar. I really went to see it because I loved the way she played the role (in the previews) and she did not disappoint. Or maybe its just me.
Oh! How could I forget? I went strawberry picking on Saturday with Sarah and her cousin. STRAWBERRIES! YUM! I am not a huge strawberry fan... as I'm sure many of you know... but thats because the ones in the supermarket are usually a bit tart. These were super sweet - just like CANDY! I was "chetes" and took quite a few and now I'm stuffing myself with strawberries everyday! lol. But it was a ton of fun.
This week was pretty much the same... except, we drank monday, tuesday (drunko alina passed out on the couch), thursday, friday, saturday, and sunday. Well, by drink I mean 1-2 beers or glasses of wine most nights. Throughout the week I worked on fixing up my room. Its finally starting to come together (and not look like a boring room with just a bed). I'm excited!
Saturday was our long overdue roomie night. Roomie nights at my house = GREAT food. And me trying to force everyone to drink. Sunday was a lazy day - i did nothing all day. Made some kookoo (the parska-hyes should know what I'm talking about). And later I went to see A Mighty Heart. Really good movie. I mean, we all know what the ending is but I think Jolie is stellar. I really went to see it because I loved the way she played the role (in the previews) and she did not disappoint. Or maybe its just me.
Oh! How could I forget? I went strawberry picking on Saturday with Sarah and her cousin. STRAWBERRIES! YUM! I am not a huge strawberry fan... as I'm sure many of you know... but thats because the ones in the supermarket are usually a bit tart. These were super sweet - just like CANDY! I was "chetes" and took quite a few and now I'm stuffing myself with strawberries everyday! lol. But it was a ton of fun.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
summertime...
...and the livin's easy.
Summer's are fantastic aren't they? I mean, even if you're working, its a break from school (and I guess if you worked year round, summer school would be a break from work)... its just something different.
The last "summer vacation" I had was 03... DC baby. Honestly, that was such an awesome summer... the drinking, partying, exploring, learning, working, going to all sorts of cool events and meeting awesome people.
Which of course leads me to my reunion with my 03 buddy... MIKEY! Lev, Mike and I are going to head up to Canada in two weeks for some armo gathering in Toronto. Tata, Andy, Armenchik, Paul... 7000 armos (supposedly). Sounds like a great time no? And Mike promised to sing Ghapama at some point.
For those who don't know the story. Mike was the sole male intern in the intern class of 03. That's right - 8 girls and 1 guy. I think he came into it thinking he was blessed but about a week later realized he was actually cursed. He managed to make some friends outside the intern crew (i think the excess estrogen got to him) but when it came down to it, we were all always together for the big nights. Now, Mike's trademark... well, actually mike had several (Wait for it... Wait for it....)... but one "Mike" thing was the song Ghapama... Mike is the only person i know who knows ALL the words to that song (he even wrote it out for me - sorry Mike, i lost the paper). One night, we were all headed to Ara's house for a party out in the DC suburbs so we were waiting at the Metro station to change lines. It was something like 10-15 of us... all obviously drunk (as we'd always pre-party before leaving the dorms)... Mike busted out singing ghapama and a group of us started doing the michigan hop (i dont even know what the michigan hop is anymore) and of course, clapping and singing along. Eventually, someone got on the loudspeaker and asked that we refrain from singing and dancing in the T station... (they sounded a bit annoyed with us). Too bad huh?
We had some crazy times that summer....
...and the livin's easy.
Summer's are fantastic aren't they? I mean, even if you're working, its a break from school (and I guess if you worked year round, summer school would be a break from work)... its just something different.
The last "summer vacation" I had was 03... DC baby. Honestly, that was such an awesome summer... the drinking, partying, exploring, learning, working, going to all sorts of cool events and meeting awesome people.
Which of course leads me to my reunion with my 03 buddy... MIKEY! Lev, Mike and I are going to head up to Canada in two weeks for some armo gathering in Toronto. Tata, Andy, Armenchik, Paul... 7000 armos (supposedly). Sounds like a great time no? And Mike promised to sing Ghapama at some point.
For those who don't know the story. Mike was the sole male intern in the intern class of 03. That's right - 8 girls and 1 guy. I think he came into it thinking he was blessed but about a week later realized he was actually cursed. He managed to make some friends outside the intern crew (i think the excess estrogen got to him) but when it came down to it, we were all always together for the big nights. Now, Mike's trademark... well, actually mike had several (Wait for it... Wait for it....)... but one "Mike" thing was the song Ghapama... Mike is the only person i know who knows ALL the words to that song (he even wrote it out for me - sorry Mike, i lost the paper). One night, we were all headed to Ara's house for a party out in the DC suburbs so we were waiting at the Metro station to change lines. It was something like 10-15 of us... all obviously drunk (as we'd always pre-party before leaving the dorms)... Mike busted out singing ghapama and a group of us started doing the michigan hop (i dont even know what the michigan hop is anymore) and of course, clapping and singing along. Eventually, someone got on the loudspeaker and asked that we refrain from singing and dancing in the T station... (they sounded a bit annoyed with us). Too bad huh?
We had some crazy times that summer....
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
its almost like being in glendale
I met an armenian man on the T a few months ago. I'm not sure I ever blogged it so pardon me if this is a repeat...
I was on the B line inbound - I can't remember where I was going but i'm pretty sure it was further than my usual trip to Kenmore (in fact, I may have been on my way to my job interview for the job I have now - but I can't recall...)
I walked straight to the back of the train and leaned against the back wall - I was reading something - perhaps a newspaper. The man sitting in the last seat next to the stairs (in the old train cars its a single seat) caught my eye. There was nothing extraordinary about him...He had on a white T-shirt and blue jeans... shaved head/bald... darker skin. But what really caught my eye was a tattoo on his neck - it was an eagle or something - in red, blue and orange. At first I figured it was a mere coincidence but then I figured I might as well ask...
"I'm sorry - this might seem random but... are you armenian?"
Sure enough he was - and a total parska hye at that. I mean, straight on sing songing and rounded out words and everything. He seemed in love with the idea of living in california and asked me several times if i like it there and whether i miss it. We chit chatted and eventually parted ways.
This morning, I woke up around 6 am but decided I didn't want to be at work just yet. I knew I was going to be staying late for a training so I figured I'd catch the 9:45 train in rather than the 8 or 8:30 trains. So, I hit the snooze and napped a few hours then took my time getting ready. Sure enough, I ended up running late. I walked down to the D-line stop and when it got there, I quickly jumped on and ran towards the back and leaned against the wall. When I looked up, I immediately recognized the tattoo. There he was - same seat, white t-shirt and blue jeans.... what a coincidence! Of all the trains I could have taken. And this time I wasn't on the B line - that would have been a bit more expected (you often bump into the same people on the same lines). Anyway, I wasn't sure if he'd remember me so I said... "You might not remember but we met right here on the train..." and he immediately responded with, "Hye es?" So we chit chatted a little about life and school and the weather.
Later on in the afternoon, I headed out with my co-workers to the training thing. The program was held at the Peter Torigian Community Center in Peabody. Former Armenian Mayor I guess...(article on festival Torigian started). When I got there, I looked over the registration sheet and immediately saw that 2 out of the 22 attorneys who had signed up to attend were Armenian. Later, one of the speakers (a clerk in one of the courts) was discussing divorce cases and scheduling and she read off the names of the five judges.... the second one was Sahagian.
Finally, on my way home, I was reading the Metro... and for those who don't know... the metro always has a question of the day which they ask three people - the middle person's picture is usually the bigger one with their answer in bold. The "middle" answered in today's paper was Melkonian.
I know. I'm having an odd armo-dar day. But you forget folks... I'm not in Glendale anymore. We don't have three (oh wait, now two) Ian/Yan councilmen... and we don't have 80,000 armos living within 5 miles of each other. So, I get excited over things like this.
Or maybe I just need a life.
Anyway, I promise to return to my blogging. I totally started slacking once classes ended - and we all know why that is.
Bed time now... gnite :)
I was on the B line inbound - I can't remember where I was going but i'm pretty sure it was further than my usual trip to Kenmore (in fact, I may have been on my way to my job interview for the job I have now - but I can't recall...)
I walked straight to the back of the train and leaned against the back wall - I was reading something - perhaps a newspaper. The man sitting in the last seat next to the stairs (in the old train cars its a single seat) caught my eye. There was nothing extraordinary about him...He had on a white T-shirt and blue jeans... shaved head/bald... darker skin. But what really caught my eye was a tattoo on his neck - it was an eagle or something - in red, blue and orange. At first I figured it was a mere coincidence but then I figured I might as well ask...
"I'm sorry - this might seem random but... are you armenian?"
Sure enough he was - and a total parska hye at that. I mean, straight on sing songing and rounded out words and everything. He seemed in love with the idea of living in california and asked me several times if i like it there and whether i miss it. We chit chatted and eventually parted ways.
This morning, I woke up around 6 am but decided I didn't want to be at work just yet. I knew I was going to be staying late for a training so I figured I'd catch the 9:45 train in rather than the 8 or 8:30 trains. So, I hit the snooze and napped a few hours then took my time getting ready. Sure enough, I ended up running late. I walked down to the D-line stop and when it got there, I quickly jumped on and ran towards the back and leaned against the wall. When I looked up, I immediately recognized the tattoo. There he was - same seat, white t-shirt and blue jeans.... what a coincidence! Of all the trains I could have taken. And this time I wasn't on the B line - that would have been a bit more expected (you often bump into the same people on the same lines). Anyway, I wasn't sure if he'd remember me so I said... "You might not remember but we met right here on the train..." and he immediately responded with, "Hye es?" So we chit chatted a little about life and school and the weather.
Later on in the afternoon, I headed out with my co-workers to the training thing. The program was held at the Peter Torigian Community Center in Peabody. Former Armenian Mayor I guess...(article on festival Torigian started). When I got there, I looked over the registration sheet and immediately saw that 2 out of the 22 attorneys who had signed up to attend were Armenian. Later, one of the speakers (a clerk in one of the courts) was discussing divorce cases and scheduling and she read off the names of the five judges.... the second one was Sahagian.
Finally, on my way home, I was reading the Metro... and for those who don't know... the metro always has a question of the day which they ask three people - the middle person's picture is usually the bigger one with their answer in bold. The "middle" answered in today's paper was Melkonian.
I know. I'm having an odd armo-dar day. But you forget folks... I'm not in Glendale anymore. We don't have three (oh wait, now two) Ian/Yan councilmen... and we don't have 80,000 armos living within 5 miles of each other. So, I get excited over things like this.
Or maybe I just need a life.
Anyway, I promise to return to my blogging. I totally started slacking once classes ended - and we all know why that is.
Bed time now... gnite :)
Saturday, May 12, 2007
light-hearted post
i realize i've been writing lots of very long blogs on not so fun topics. so, i thought i'd post a short lil somethin. i can't get over this clip. i think i've watched it a billion times. am i crazy?
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
don't be jealous
to all my so-cal folks...
i went for a jog today - along a little river/creek. and i didn't have to drive 25 minutes on the five (or 35 minutes on the 2/210) to get there. muahahahahah. (you know you wish you were here!)
(and no, the "la river" DOES NOT COUNT - i'm talking mud banks not concrete man-made stuff)
honestly though, it was one of the most relaxing things i've done in a long time. it felt great. the little path is so peaceful - lots of trees (and those white and pink ones - are those cherry blossoms? anyway, they're very pretty!).
i managed to crank out a good 45 minutes at a steady pace. i really really didn't think i'd be able to do more than 20. it was probably the surroundings... oh ya, and the fun lawschool podcasts. because listening to civ pro (personal jurisdiction, minimum contacts etc) is freakin energizing.
anyway, i have SOOOO many blogs to post but it'll be a week before i can do it. see you folks then!
i went for a jog today - along a little river/creek. and i didn't have to drive 25 minutes on the five (or 35 minutes on the 2/210) to get there. muahahahahah. (you know you wish you were here!)
(and no, the "la river" DOES NOT COUNT - i'm talking mud banks not concrete man-made stuff)
honestly though, it was one of the most relaxing things i've done in a long time. it felt great. the little path is so peaceful - lots of trees (and those white and pink ones - are those cherry blossoms? anyway, they're very pretty!).
i managed to crank out a good 45 minutes at a steady pace. i really really didn't think i'd be able to do more than 20. it was probably the surroundings... oh ya, and the fun lawschool podcasts. because listening to civ pro (personal jurisdiction, minimum contacts etc) is freakin energizing.
anyway, i have SOOOO many blogs to post but it'll be a week before i can do it. see you folks then!
Saturday, May 05, 2007
should April 24th be a holiday
of course there's been a debate in the gnp on whether kids should get the day off from school - one armenian guy said - basically - look, my kids feel very strongly about it and they go to the events and protests - they don't sit at home and play xbox. and the non-armenians responded with - its a slippery slope - do we close schools everytime kids want to protest something? and its not an american holiday. our schools lose money. yada yada.
response:
Re: School's Should Leave Comfort Zone.
Several school districts throughout the United States have been handed off to private businesses because the district itself is not able to manage the schools. To be fair, the districts are not always to blame – dropping enrollment and depopulation of areas leads to fiscal problems that are beyond the districts control. Those concerns are not alien to our own district today.
But what does a private business do that a school district might not? I believe private businesses are able to make fiscally proactive decisions with less reliance on community politics.
When you have a large number of students not in class on a given day of the year, you are losing money. We can all sit around and discuss the politics of Genocide Recognition and the importance of being in school but at the end of the day, a large segment of this community feels strongly that missing math class one day of the year in order to stand up for and commemorate the memory of your great grandparents is a worthwhile trade-off.
Thus, the district has two choices – either accept that we are losing money and do something proactive to change it or listen to residents complain about the money that the district loses on April 24th each year. Once a person is able to remove their personal emotions from this debate they will realize that it is essentially a business decision (although of course I personally feel strongly about the symbolic importance of it as well).
As for the slippery slope suggestion; as a law student I have learned that "slippery slope" is always used as a cop out when someone doesn't want to take a stand. Don't be afraid to draw the line. For at least the last 10 years, GUSD has lost money on April 24th. This is much different than an unforeseen student protest against animal testing (which probably would not attract half the student population). Moreover, school districts across the country have embraced local holidays that reflect their student bodies. For example, although "Yom Kippur" is not like "Cesar Chavez Day" or any other "American" holiday, Beverly Hills High School students had October 2nd off last year (along with a spring break that coincided with Pesach).
Though it seems that the residents of Glendale are not quite ready to tackle this debate, I nevertheless encourage to consider it. The district will continue to feel the impact of the loss of revenue and the community has the opportunity to weigh in on our schools' future. The choice is ours.
response:
Re: School's Should Leave Comfort Zone.
Several school districts throughout the United States have been handed off to private businesses because the district itself is not able to manage the schools. To be fair, the districts are not always to blame – dropping enrollment and depopulation of areas leads to fiscal problems that are beyond the districts control. Those concerns are not alien to our own district today.
But what does a private business do that a school district might not? I believe private businesses are able to make fiscally proactive decisions with less reliance on community politics.
When you have a large number of students not in class on a given day of the year, you are losing money. We can all sit around and discuss the politics of Genocide Recognition and the importance of being in school but at the end of the day, a large segment of this community feels strongly that missing math class one day of the year in order to stand up for and commemorate the memory of your great grandparents is a worthwhile trade-off.
Thus, the district has two choices – either accept that we are losing money and do something proactive to change it or listen to residents complain about the money that the district loses on April 24th each year. Once a person is able to remove their personal emotions from this debate they will realize that it is essentially a business decision (although of course I personally feel strongly about the symbolic importance of it as well).
As for the slippery slope suggestion; as a law student I have learned that "slippery slope" is always used as a cop out when someone doesn't want to take a stand. Don't be afraid to draw the line. For at least the last 10 years, GUSD has lost money on April 24th. This is much different than an unforeseen student protest against animal testing (which probably would not attract half the student population). Moreover, school districts across the country have embraced local holidays that reflect their student bodies. For example, although "Yom Kippur" is not like "Cesar Chavez Day" or any other "American" holiday, Beverly Hills High School students had October 2nd off last year (along with a spring break that coincided with Pesach).
Though it seems that the residents of Glendale are not quite ready to tackle this debate, I nevertheless encourage to consider it. The district will continue to feel the impact of the loss of revenue and the community has the opportunity to weigh in on our schools' future. The choice is ours.
Friday, May 04, 2007
a clip
i emailed this out so if you're reading it twice - sorry... and be sure to click on link!
I came across something and wanted to share some thoughts on it…
All too often, people ask us (Armenians) why we care about Genocide recognition… I mean, it happened 92 years ago. Get over it. Its not TODAY'S Turkish officials that committed Genocide. It was those pesky Ottomans.
But the truth is that we can't get over it. We can't get over it – not because we don't want to – but because, we can't get over something that is still going on today.
As my favorite (survivor) quote says – Denial is killing twice. Denying the past is a genocide of its own – a genocide of the memories of those who were killed.
That, however, is only half the story. The other half is the cultural genocide. I'm sure you've all heard the stories – the Khachkars being destroyed, animal names being changed, churches being converted – all in an effort to erase any traces of "Armenian-ness" from the villages. Then there's that great holiday Turkey celebrates on April 24th – world children's day.
And perhaps that doesn't outrage you.
But this should.
http://www.france24.com/france24Public/en/special-reports/FRANCE-24-Reports/Reporters-FRANCE-24.html
Armenians being forced to deny their heritage, being targeted and taunted, being called infidels…. Sounds vaguely familiar. Oh yes, we went through this in many times before… including 1915. In reality, IT never ended. The death marches ended but the hatred and animosity towards Armenians continues today. While we all look at Istanbul and the other big cities and note their "democratization" or "westernization," the rest of the country lingers in the same mental state it was in 100 years ago – and the government is complacent.
I hope you all take a moment to watch this video. If you are not Armenian and have ever questioned why Armenians feel the need to carry on with these protests and marches and vigils, I hope you will understand where our hurt and anger comes from. I hope you understand that until we don't get official recognition, we will continue to feel and BE threatened. If you are Armenian, I hope this sparks something in you…. Angers you. Because we can't afford to be complacent – we can't afford to join Turkey in saying, "oh well… that's the way the cookie crumbles." It's not about waving a flag on April 24th each year. That helps. But its not enough. Take an interest in your community, the international community – do something. You don't have to be a politician to be an activist – you can be an activist in your every day life in your own way – your contribution to the cause can be yours uniquely. And above all else, don't forget who you are. People are trying hard to erase your ancestors from their memory – don't give them a hand by forgetting yourself.
(And if you're looking for an easy way to do something… pass this on).
(PS – for those of you on here who are involved, I realize I'm preaching to the choir… I just wanted you to see the clip).
I came across something and wanted to share some thoughts on it…
All too often, people ask us (Armenians) why we care about Genocide recognition… I mean, it happened 92 years ago. Get over it. Its not TODAY'S Turkish officials that committed Genocide. It was those pesky Ottomans.
But the truth is that we can't get over it. We can't get over it – not because we don't want to – but because, we can't get over something that is still going on today.
As my favorite (survivor) quote says – Denial is killing twice. Denying the past is a genocide of its own – a genocide of the memories of those who were killed.
That, however, is only half the story. The other half is the cultural genocide. I'm sure you've all heard the stories – the Khachkars being destroyed, animal names being changed, churches being converted – all in an effort to erase any traces of "Armenian-ness" from the villages. Then there's that great holiday Turkey celebrates on April 24th – world children's day.
And perhaps that doesn't outrage you.
But this should.
http://www.france24.com/france24Public/en/special-reports/FRANCE-24-Reports/Reporters-FRANCE-24.html
Armenians being forced to deny their heritage, being targeted and taunted, being called infidels…. Sounds vaguely familiar. Oh yes, we went through this in many times before… including 1915. In reality, IT never ended. The death marches ended but the hatred and animosity towards Armenians continues today. While we all look at Istanbul and the other big cities and note their "democratization" or "westernization," the rest of the country lingers in the same mental state it was in 100 years ago – and the government is complacent.
I hope you all take a moment to watch this video. If you are not Armenian and have ever questioned why Armenians feel the need to carry on with these protests and marches and vigils, I hope you will understand where our hurt and anger comes from. I hope you understand that until we don't get official recognition, we will continue to feel and BE threatened. If you are Armenian, I hope this sparks something in you…. Angers you. Because we can't afford to be complacent – we can't afford to join Turkey in saying, "oh well… that's the way the cookie crumbles." It's not about waving a flag on April 24th each year. That helps. But its not enough. Take an interest in your community, the international community – do something. You don't have to be a politician to be an activist – you can be an activist in your every day life in your own way – your contribution to the cause can be yours uniquely. And above all else, don't forget who you are. People are trying hard to erase your ancestors from their memory – don't give them a hand by forgetting yourself.
(And if you're looking for an easy way to do something… pass this on).
(PS – for those of you on here who are involved, I realize I'm preaching to the choir… I just wanted you to see the clip).
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