GO SOX! I am going to Em and Nat's tonight to watch the game via Tivo (the game is at 3 but we are watching at 7) They are giving our WORLD CHAMPION Red Sox their rings prior to the game. YEAH SOX!

Damn! Earthfest, one of my favorite ways to bring in the summer, is the same day as my Women's Conference! And the Walk for Hunger is the day after. I had really been hoping to do the 20 mile walk again this year but I am doubtful that be able to make it the full distance. I still may try to do as much as I can though.

More Daylight?...Bring It On: In an extention of Eva's discussion of Daylight Savings Time, I just read that Congress is considering EXTENDING DST by two months! Woo woo!

From Slumerville to Somerville: An encouraging (especially as a home owner) article in today's Globe about up-and-coming Somerville. Also interesting for my city planning and public administration friends.

Baby Anna: I got my first glipse of Anna (via email) today. I hope to meet her in the next week or so. So precious! 

Cranky Day: So, the glass half full side of things is that, as far as I know, everyone in my life is safe and fairly healthy. However, I am having trouble seeing that part of the glass today, as everything that could go wrong, has! What a crappy day... from the minute I walked into the office (30 minutes early) until 5:00 (now) when I had to run down the street because the car service didn't show up for the students I am sending down to Hartford. Truly, a miserable day! (I broke into my chocolate in my desk at 9:30 a.m....good thing there was no booze there.) And the too bad part, is that it was a BEAUTIFUL day...but I didn't get to enjoy it. Ok, whining done. But I accept all good vibes that you want to send my way for a relaxing evening and a good day tomorrow. Ok, off to do some more work so I can leave before I see none of the pretty day.

To Everything, Turn, Turn, Turn: As the world has been newly blessed by Anna being born, it seems like lot of people are dying too...Terry Schiavo, the Pope (well, still alive but I suspect not for long), Johnny Cochran, and Frank Perdue all have died or are dying in the last few days.

To Bide Your Time- In case I am "less than present" with my blogging again, I encourage you to take hours (as I do) to stare at the face of Rebecca , and read my cousin Adam's blog. You also can get sucked into Chowhounds, as I do several times a day. (There are lists for most major cities.)

The WLC at MIT: So, one of the main reasons I have been AWOL is that I have been IMMERSED in the Women's Leadership Conference that I am planning for April 30th. I am really excited about the Conference, but also of course quite anxious. (The dark circles under my eyes indicated to sleep of which I am being robbed) I have worked really hard to kick ass in planning for the last weeks (and months) and many of the details are now a sense of "cross your fingers" that everything happens the way I planned. The event SOLD OUT earlier this week, which is great...other than the people who know that THEY should be given a exception and allowed to come. This is definitely the largest, and most visible, project I have ever done. Thankfully it is (mainly) a labor of love.

Baby Pulls Me Out of Non-Blogging Stupor- I know, you missed me. I actually wrote a long post a few weeks ago, when I got back from London, but it was lost and I never have re-motivated. Now I have the motivation...to share with the world the arrival of Anna Fazzina Durso!! She arrived this morning at 11:10 at 8 pounds 1 ounce. Mom and baby (and I assume Jed) are doing amazingly well. GO YOGA! I am so excited to have another baby in my life!

I Am a Bad Person- To all my thousands of devoted readers, my deepest apologies for being away so long. I becamse unduly swamped before my trip to London last week, and then got back Sunday. Since then I have been going non-stop, primarily working (and stressing and making lists and obsessing) about my Women's Leadership Conference. I have six weeks to pull it off. I promise to give an update of London, and my life, soon-- not to mention random silliness I find online. In the meantime, know I am thinking of you, my devoted readers.

Generousity and Philanthropy: Slate just announced America's most generous philanthropists, and where they gave. Bill Gates tops the list...

Anti-climactic News: So, my lease on my 2003 Toyota Corolla LE ends in May. I went with my bro to look at what my options were, and I have just decided to get...a 2005 Toyota Corolla LE. Whoo whoo! My current car follows my 1999 Toyota Corolla, which followed my 1996 Geo Prism. (Those of you who I have known since 1996 know about said Prism...black with leather seat! Yes, you read correctly, a Geo with leather seats!) Obviously I like my Corolla's but I was certainly hoping that I might find another car I like in the same price range. (I found one or the other...more money or less car) At least I will have to get a new color! (Did I mention that they have literally not re-designed anything on the 2003-2006??? The same car!)

Duh!: Sometimes, I question whether our lawyers and judges have READ the Bill of Right-- the document they are supposedly working so hard ot protect. What part of separation of church and state includes putting the 10 Commandments on government property?

One Gender Gap Is Closing: "Average life expectancy in the United States rose to a record 77.6 years in 2003 from 77.3 years in 2002...Although women on average still lived longer than men in 2003 -- 80.1 years versus 74.8 years -- the gender gap in mortality narrowed, continuing a 25-year trend, the CDC said in a report." Ok, still waiting for the other, favors the men, gaps to close too.

This One Goes Out to Emily and Peter: A documentary about the National Scrabble Championship is winning at Sundance. I especially like their tagline-- "This is not your grandmother's Scrabble." How much more perfect does it get?

Shameless Plug: My cousin Adam's blog, which is almost alwasy very funny, made me laugh out loud today. Had to share. Anyone who is in NYC should go catch him at one of his comedy shows...something I need to do soon too.

Party Time Friday Five:
- How many parties will you go to this weekend? Three! A game night birthday party, a baby shower, and the annual Oscar party!
- When was your last "office party"? Last night. We went out to drinks at the Muddy Charles (MIT bar where a PITCHER of beer is $6) to celebrate/mourn the last day of a co-worker.
- When was the last party at your house? My Super Bowl Party. Did I mention that the Pats won?
- What is your political party? Hard core Democrat.
- If you could party like it was any year (as in "Party like its 1999") what year would you chose? 2110. Don't know what that would look like...but I bet it would be cool.

Blasphemy!: A Yankee's fan has won the rights to rename the Fleet Center after Der*k J#ter! Oh dear!

Wanta Take A Ride in A.J.'s Taxi? A fun shot from the Venice (California) Canals 

A Belated Super Bowl Victory Shot (Kevin E., Laura, Karen, Justin, Amy, Emily, Brandon, Kevin C, Me, Peter) 

No Wonder I Became a Sex Educator: My parents send me sex jokes...Here is a selection...
"Having sex is like playing bridge. If you don't have a good partner, you'd better have a good hand." ---Woody Allen
"Women might be able to fake orgasms. But men can fake a whole relationship."-- Sharon Stone
"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." --Jack Nicholson
"Clinton lied. A man might forget where he parks or where he lives, but he never forgets oral sex, no matter how bad it is." --Barbara Bush (Former US First Lady, and you didn't think Barbara had a sense of humor)
"Women need a reason to have sex. Men just need a place." --Billy Crystal
"According to a new survey, women say they feel more comfortable undressing in front of men than they do undressing in front of other women. They say that women are too judgmental, where, of course, men are just grateful." --Robert De Niro
"There's very little advice in men's magazines, because men think, 'I know what I'm doing. Just show me somebody naked'." --Jerry Seinfeld
"See, the problem is that God gives men a brain and a penis, and only enough blood to run one at a time." --Robin Williams
" It isn't premarital sex if you have no intention of getting married." --George Burn

Just What We Need: I spent many a hour at the (im)famous Mall of America while I was in college at Macalester. Triple Five of Minnesota Inc. plans to double the size of the Mall of America, the largest US shopping center, at a cost of more than $1 billion. The plans, presented to city officials in Bloomington, Minn., where the 520-store mall is located, include the addition of a casino, department stores, boutiques, and restaurants, closely held Triple Five said in a statement. Included in the expansion will be a hotel with themed rooms including an igloo room and a Hawaiian room; a concert center; a hockey rink for public skating and ice shows; and a canal with gondolas surrounded by dancing fountains, Triple Five said.

MIT in the Globe...TWICE: Today's Globe reports that MIT will soon announce the creation of a biological engineering major, the first of its kind, much as it was a pioneer in the areas of creating chemical engineering and electrical engineering. They also report that the new head of the MIT Museum (of which I get free admission) is looking to majorly revolutionize hwo it is seen at MIT and beyond.

Sunday Blahs Revisited: Thanks to Miss Em for sending me this article from the Wall Street Journal about grown ups (even those who like their jobs) having the Sunday blahs. In middle school I would often throw up because I was so stressed about school (thanks again for sitting with me all those evenign Dad) and I still often have trouble "turning off my brain" on Sunday nights. (As discussed in a recent Friday Five as well.)

Apple Falls Far From the Tree: The daughter of conservative Republican Alan Keyes referred to herself Monday as a "liberal queer" and urged support for gay and lesbian young people who have been deserted by their families.

Adult Content Warning: Savage Love, one of my favorite guilty pleasures, had a particularly funny letter today. (For those of you who don't know, Savage Love is an sex/sexuality advice column which is fantastic.) Here is the question from this week's column.
I have a question regarding medication transference in semen. My husband is currently taking ...But I need to know if his medications could transfer to me during sex, and if so, would it react with the medication... I know with intercourse, chances are slim that there would be any problems, but I give my husband a blow-job at least once a day, very often twice, and I do swallow his semen. (By the way, we have been married 31 years.)
a) At least one blowjob once a day?!?!
b) After being married 31 years?!?!
I hope my sex life is that good when I am married 31 years!

Quick Update: Back from five days in California (San Diego and LA). Had a great time, events went well, meetings went well, saw Judi and Paul which was great. Ate good food. Travel was easy. Weather was medium (poured for one whole day). Got home last night.

Had to Share the Whole Damn Thing: The following are all replies that Dallas women have written on ChildSupport Agency forms in the section for listing father's details. Or putting it another way..... Who's yo Daddy? These are genuine excerpts from the forms. (so they say..amusing even if they are made up)
1. Regarding the identity of the father of my twins, child A wasfathered by Jim Munson. I am unsure as to the identity of the fatherof child B, but I believe that he was conceived on the same night.
2. I am unsure as to the identity of the father of my child as I wasbeing sick out of a window when taken unexpectedly from behind. I canprovide you with a list of names of men that I think were at the partyif this helps.
3. I do not know the name of the father of my little girl. She wasconceived at a party at 3600 Grand Avenue where I had unprotected sexwith a man I met that night. I do remember that the sex was so goodthat I fainted. If you do manage to track down the father, can yousend me his phone number? Thanks.
4. I don't know the identity of the father of my daughter. He drives aBMW that now has a hole made by my stiletto in one of the door panels.Perhaps you can contact BMW service stations in this area and see ifhe's had it replaced.
5. I have never had sex with a man. I am still a Virginian. I amawaiting a letter from the Pope confirming that my son's conceptionwas immaculate and that he is Christ risen again.
6. I cannot tell you the name of child A's dad as he informs me thatto do so would blow his cover and that would have cataclysmicimplications for the economy. I am torn between doing right by you andright by the country. Please advise.
7. I do not know who the father of my child was as all blacks look thesame to me.
8. Peter Smith is the father of child A. If you do catch up with him,can you ask him what he did with my AC/DC CDs? Child B who was alsoborned at the same time....well I don't have a clue.
9. From the dates it seems that my daughter was conceived at DisneyWorld; maybe it really is the Magic Kingdom.
10. So much about that night is a blur. The only thing that I rememberfor sure is Delia Smith did a program about eggs earlier in theevening. If I'd have stayed in and watched more TV rather than goingto the party at 146 Miller Drive, mine might have remainedunfertilized.
11. I am unsure as to the identity of the father of my baby, after allwhen you eat a can of beans you can't be sure which one made you fart.

Priorities!: Ok, how dare I post something, anything, before writting about my World Champion New England Patriots! YEAH! The parade is tomorrow, so I actually might be able to slip out of work at lunch! (The last two times if was VERY cold, and I thought I would be in CA for this one) YEAH PATS! What a year for Boston sports!

Preemptive (and Proscribed) Friday (Monday) Five: Not only will I be out of town for this week's FF, but Major Mocha has just "tagged" me with these questions I am supposed to answer:
1. What is the total amount of music files on your computer?
Zero! I haven't gotten into this music downloading thing.
2. What was the last CD you bought?
It was a long time ago...I think a Becky Chace Band CD. The last CD I acquired was a holiday mix care of DJ Jeff, all the way from Germany!
3. What was the last song you listened to before reading this message?
Carolina in My Mind (James Taylor) as I was driving into work.
4. List 5 songs you often listen to or that mean a lot to you.
I Will Survive, Blackbird, Imagine, That's What Friends Are For, and Mary's Place (the Boss)
5. To whom will you pass the stick and why?
My blog readers...because then I don't have to pick!

They Had Me at the Headline: "Blowout bowl: Ten reasons the Patriots will rout the Eagles"...GO PATS!

TGIF Friday Five: (Explanation should be abundantly clear)
- What are you doing tonight? Nothing much planned...just as I desire! I will pull together some dinner from the fridge/freezer and watch some of the DVD's I have from Netflix. I will straighten up a few things too, as I am having people over on Sunday for the Big Game (not that I would only clean up because people are coming over)
- On the scale of 1-10, how stressful was your week? I would say a 6. In terms of comparing this week to recent times, it is an 8, but I must admit that things have been pretty calm as of late. Several details of my London event are not falling into place, I am trying to wrap things up before my trip to the West Coast next week, and I am (completely voluntarily) trying to support a friend during a hard week.
- Where will you be next Friday? Los Angeles! Yeah! I will actually start the day in San Diego...go to Pasadena for lunchtime, and end the day in LA.
- When you hear the expression TGIF, does the "g" stand for Goodness, God, Goddess, or something else? Goodness.
- What is your favorite day of the week? I used to have sooo much anxiety on Sundays (often even becoming physically ill when in middle school) but now I think it is my favorite day. It is often the only day of the week that I sorta sleep in, I love reading the Sunday paper, I sometimes have fun plans during the day, and seem to just be in a good state of mind on Sunday. However, I still sometimes have trouble falling asleep on Sundays, as I begin to anticipate and plan for the week...all as I lay in bed.

Horray!: For everyone who did something brave today, I salute you. Be proud of yourself.

Mini Tantrum: Why are almost all of my favorite shows in repeats this week, and last week too for that matter?!?!?! Ok, done.

Going to the Theatre: Em and I are going to out next installment of our subscription to the SpeakEasy Stage Company tonight. We will be seeing The Midnight Room, which got a stellar review in yesterday's Globe. Very excited...I'll be cultured if its the last thing I do!

Attention Kimpossible9802 Readers: Do any of you live in San Diego or London? I will be in San Diego on the evening of February 9th and am looking for a dinner date. (doesn't have to be a "date"). I will be in London from March 9-13 and will have quite a bit of free time over the weekend. Let's try it this way..."Fun, high energy SWF seeks S,D,M/W,B,A/F,M dinner/event companion for San Diego and/or London. All inquiries replied to, some accepted."

Semi-Random Macalester Fact of the Day: Apparently, the Macalester women’s soccer team earned the highest cumulative grade point average in the nation during the 2003-04 academic year. Take THAT dumb jock stereotype!

Birth Control for Men: It is going to be announced this week that researchers at the University of Massachusetts have discovered a way to make a male birth control pill. (About time) Although a woman would hope that her sexual partner is trustworthy and all that other crap, I wonder how many women would reliquish control over this issue and rely on their partner to keep them from getting pregnant. Nonetheless, I am thrilled that the option may soon be available.

A New Strategy for Finding a Date: A New York City taxi driver is playing matchmaker while he drives people around town...and is succeeding! I'll try just about anything...

Take 5: Although I often post about great meals and favorite restaurants, it is rare that a pre-packaged food, let alone a candy bar, is great enough to be worthy of my blog. However, I have found nirvana in the new Take 5 candy bar! The marketing is crappy (the wrapper looks like it is a third-rate candy bar you would buy at the dollar store) but it is seriously one of the yummy-esy things I have tasted in a long time. (Even better than my new favorite sandwich, the Chicken and Spinich panini at Amelia's) The candy is like Chubby Hubby, without the ice cream. Peanuts, pretzels, peanut better, caramel and chocolate. Heaven!

Shannon O'Brien to Lead Girl Scouts: How ironic...as I was lying in bed last night thinking about some work I need to do with my volunteer role with the Girl Scouts (I am on the Development Committee and chairing the Individual Donor Sub-Committee...hope to be joining the board next year) and this morning, it was announced that Shannon O'Brien will be their new Executive Director. She is MA's previous State Treasurer and Former Democratic nominee for governor. Mitt the Snitt beat here. I am now revitalized in volutneering with the Girl Scouts, as I think it will be great to get to meet her etc.

Essential Workers: Yesterday the mayor and governor announced that "only essential workers should come into work". In today's Globe, there was a great editorial to help us all sort out which category we fall under.

So herein, a few guidelines on how to determine your place in this world:
- Essentialness operates on an inverse proportion. The more essential you regard yourself, the less you probably are.
- If you use any sort of title, whether it be Ambassador or Mr., there's a high probability that you're nonessential.
- If you have an assistant, he or she can pretty much do anything you usually do. If you typically use that assistant to dial calls and announce to the called party, ''Please hold the line for [insert title here] so and so," then you are the most nonessential of the nonessential....
So who is essential? Apparently the guy charged with plowing the left lane of the Southeast Expressway was deemed essential, the guy who was supposed to plow the right lane was not.
As a rule of thumb, the less you are paid, the more essential you probably are. If you sit in an office, the probability of being essential plummets dramatically, unless you work for the Patriots and are in charge of distributing Super Bowl tickets.
The men and women who clean the streets, fix the pipes, empty the trash, deliver the newspaper, bake the doughnuts, tend to the sick, care for the homebound -- these are the most essential people of all, lacking fame but never honor. The woman down the street who allows the neighborhood kids to hang out in her finished basement? The most essential person in town.

(Please note that MIT was the only university in town that was open yesterday. I suppose this speaks well to my essentialness...or MIT's perceived essentialness in the world. I mean, even Harvard closed.)

Unexpected Visitor in My Bed: It is a good thing I didn't have a heart attack last night! As three in the morning I woke up to find a BLACK CAT in my bed!!! My upstairs neighbor's cat have come into my apartment through the basement door, and crawled into bed to with me. Surprisingly, I woke up, calmly thought "Oh, Smartie is in my bed....", and just picked him up and put him back in the basement. Very odd.

Take 2 for Photo 

Where I Am This Weekend (I thought you would all be interested to know what you are "missing" out East. I went to bed last night around midnight with about 8 inches on the ground and it snowing hard. I woke up nine hours later to...it STILL snowing hard. There are 5-6 foot drifts in the driveway and, I would guess, close to 3 feet all over. *AND*, it's still snowing HARD!)

Where I Was Last Weekend (all the photos will be on Snapfish later this week) 

Cold Friday Five: (It's -30 windchill today!)
What is the coldest place you have ever lived: Saint Paul, MN for college at the fantastic Macalester College. There were times you could throw water up into the air and it would freeze! Plus there were advisories that you should have NO skin showing because the water in your skin cell would freeze!
What is your favorite cold food: ICE CREAM! Coffee Oreo at Christina's! Or Chubby Hubby.
When was the last time you had a cold: Thankfully (knocking on every hard surface I can find) last winter..I think in February.
What is your favorite food on a cold night: Although there are lots of foods I would like, a big bowl of pasta is always nice...so is grilled cheese and soup!!
If you wanted to get warm, where do you know someone to visit: I think I would head right back to Phoenix. I am thankfully going to LA and San Diego in just a few weeks, otherwise I would be complaining even more. Wish my friend Renu still lived in Hawaii (not that I could visit her, but that is a REALLY warm place to go.)

Example Number 23,457,283 of the Ridiculously Litigous Society We Live In: A high school student is suing his school for giving him homework over summer break.

2-4-6-8: Who do we appreciate?! The Pat, the Pats, YEAH Pats! Just my personal cheer for the football goddesses for a Pats win on Sunday. After all, I need to host my Super Bowl party for the World Champion Pats again this year! Gooooooooooo Pats!

Beware of the Gay Sponge: Who would have known? Appartently Sponge Bob Squarepants is not only bringing silly joy to kids and exploring the world with his little friends, he also is part of the gay agenda! What a multi-taking guy! Unfortunately, I never cease to be surprised that there are people in this world who think tolerance is a bad value. It both surprises and sickens me too often than it should.

Beware of the Gay Sponge: Who would have known? Appartently Sponge Bob Squarepants is not only bringing silly joy to kids and exploring the world with his little friends, he also is part of the gay agenda! What a multi-taking guy! Unfortunately, I never cease to be surprised that there are people in this world who think tolerance is a bad value. It both surprises and sickens me too often than it should.

Four (Tear) More (Sob) Years: Another installment from Jib Jab. He he!

Where’s the Sun?: I returned from a fabulous trip to Arizona last night…leaving not a cloud in the sky and mid-70s to come to gray wind chill advisory 7! Insane! I got to Phoenix a day last, as my flight from Boston to Houston was delayed *9* hours. I got to a cheap Holiday Inn in Houston around midnight, slept for about 5 hours, went to the airport, and arrived in sunny Arizona at around 11:00 a.m. (They flew me first class from Houston to AZ, which was nice.) Eva and I went to a little bread/coffee place called Wildflower Bread Company for a yummy lunch and then we drove around Phoenix/Tempe a bit. I have never been to the Southwest before and it was absolutely spectacular. Because it is in a valley, every time we turned the car, we were facing beautiful mountains. I think I drove Eva crazy because I couldn’t stop remarking about how beautiful it was. We had dinner at a Thai restaurant called Pink Pepper and made it a pretty early night. The next day we went down to Tucson, where were went to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. (We had breakfast at Wildflower, where I had a delicious frittata with roasted veggies and feta!) The Desert Museum is part gardens and part zoo of desert animals. Eva is unbelievably knowledgeable about horticulture, especially desert plants. It was fun to tour with an expert! (Plus it was another perfect day, so I enjoyed strolling around outside.) We had lunch in Tucson at El Charro, which as probably my favorite meal of the trip. (Although it is hard to choose…we ate WELL!) After walking around Tucson, we drove back up to Phoenix, with a stop for Blizzards at DQ. (Reese’s and Oreo for me!) We caught most of the Golden Globes and hit the hay. Monday we went to the Desert Botanical Gardens (beautiful!!) and had lunch at Crazy Jim’s (Greek food) Eva drove me around Phoenix, where I saw where she works (the Department of Transportation…hence her being a great tour guide) and saw the baseball stadium etc. Dinner was at China Max Seafood Restaurant. I begrudgingly went to the airport yesterday morning, where I flew first class from Phoenix to Boston, via Cleveland. Em picked me up at the airport, and very sweetly brought me a fleece to pull over my legs as we drove home in the Arctic conditions. When can I go back????

Off I Go: I am going to Arizona today! I am going to be visiting a good frined from Macalester, Eva (aka Major Mocha). I have never been to the Southwest and very excited! Eva lives in Tempe, but we will go on a little side trip to Tucson I think. Plus, I fly back first class. Ooooooo!

Two of the Funniest MIT Alumni: Yup! Click and Clack, aka Tom and Ray Magliozzi, went to MIT. A fun little article about them in today's Globe...."What gets listeners most upset is wondering if the guys get the answers in advance," says "Car Talk" executive producer Doug Berman during a recent Tuesday morning production meeting. "And what the guys say to that is, 'If we did, would we be as wrong as often as we are?' "

Timely Follow Up: Star of Wicked falls through trap door.

Sex, High School and Friends: (got your attention, right?) Tonight Emily and I are going to Curves, to grab take out from Amelia's (my new favorite food is their chicken spinich panini) and going to see Kinsey. A high school aquaintance, Michelle Federer, is in the movie with a small role. MUCH more impressively, she is one of the leads in the Broadway play Wicked. She is getting fabulous reviews.

Weekend In Review: A fun, movie-filled weekend. Friday I went over to Amy and Mandy's where we had Ladies Movie Night In...talked a lot, ate some yummy treats (including english muffin pizzas) and saw Eat, Drink, Man, Woman. Saturday (nasty weather all day!) I went to Curves, did some things around the house, ran some errands, and then met up with my brother for dinner at Fajita-n-Ritas and the movie Aviator (B+). Sunday I went over to Amy and Jose's (it was a 2 Amy weekend) and hung out with them and their ADORABLE boys! Good weekend overall.

Baseball News: It will be interesting how THIS plays out...pun intended.

Special Events Friday Five: Seeing as how I am in the midst of planning the Women's Leadership Conference, and all I am seem to be thinking about are events and speakers, I thought I would use that as the theme of today's Friday Five. (Not only is the Women's Event in April, but I am in the midst of planning events in LA and San Diego in February and London in March.)
Who is the most famous person you have ever hear speak in person? I suppose if depend who you are asking in terms of famous-ness, but I have seen Walter Mondale, Jimmy Carter, Oprah Winfrey, Mr. T and Kofi Annan speak.
What is the largest audience you have ever addressed? Actually probably the group that came to honor my grandmother when she received a special award for service. I think there were about 300 people there.
What is the fanciest event you have ever attended? The black tie benefit for The Health Museum of Cleveland (I was working there at the time, but was allowed to attend, as opposed to staff it.) However, some of these cushie dinners and events I have gone to at hotels are running a close second.
How many weddings did you attend this year? Actually none. It seems like many of my friends go to far more wedding than me...which is certainly good for my pocketbook, if not my dance card.
Would you attend the presidential inauguration if invited? I don't think so, but I think I would be tempted, just to say I went.

Sometimes I Really Like a Copy Cat: Serveral airlines, including my fave American, have slashed their prices to compete with Delta, who just lowered its fares SIGNIFICANTLY. Yeah!

The Epidemic Touches Anyone/Everyone: South Africa's Nelson Mandela, one of Africa's most committed campaigners in the battle against AIDS, announced that his only surviving son had succumbed to the disease Thursday.

But I Should Be in BETTER Shape: Appartently I moved from the 24th fittest city (Cleveland) to the 11th fittest city (Boston). So why have I gained 5 pounds since I moved??? So close but yet so far, NYC is the 8th fattest city.

A Dumb (and Litigious) Society: A toilet brush with a tag that says "Do not use for personal hygiene" has taken top prize for the wackiest consumer warning label of the year, according to an anti-lawsuit group. Other highlights include: A digital thermometer with the advice "Once used rectally, the thermometer should not be used orally." and A scooter with the warning "This product moves when used." Perhaps they should simply write "If you are too dumb to use this properly, don't."

Year In Review Friday Five (Part 3): A day early...
1. What was your favorite film of this year? Garden State. I felt like I was watching someone's life, not actors.
2. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Em organized a fabulous Ladies Night Out at Cuchi Cuchi and then decadent sundaes at Tosconini's. We wore little black dresses, Em made us all flower broaches, we had tapas and sangria, and I felt like a very loved, but not as sexed, member of Sex in the City. I turned 31.
3. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004? Same as always, very simple. Not sloppy but not accessorized or complicated. Solid tops, solid bottoms, often jeans and a black shirt.
4. What kept you sane in 2004? A couple close friends...ice cream...and plenty of sleep.
5. What political issue stirred you the most? Gay marriage. I am embarrassed that we even need to discuss whether same sex couples should be able to marry. Next we will go back to debating whether we should have inter-racial marriage and if we should let our women vote.

Christmas Year-Round: It was recently announced (at least news to me) that "they" are building a Christmas Tree Shop right down the street from my house. They are supposed to also be maybe be putting an IKEA (!!!!) but that is still not for certain...and I don't know if it ever will.

Lennie Died: Jerry Orbach, from Law & Order died yesterday. I think I saw every L&A that has aired, and thought of Lennie as an almost-real person. So sad.

Surpressed Memory: Driving home from work yesterday I was gently hitting the brakes at a stop light, when I realized that I have a recurring dream that I am trying to hit the brakes to stop (and avoid hitting someone/thing) and I just can't press hard enough to make the car stop. I slow down, but still end up hitting whatever is in front of me. Of course I know where this comes from but it is odd that I now realize that I have been having this dream for many years, and just now remembered...when there was not much that prompted the memory. Perhaps its because I have been driving on some minor snow, which often makes me nervous. Anyhow, interesting how the mind works.

Year in Review II Friday Five on Thursday: (Since I won't be in the office tomorrow, thought I get a head start)
1. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Finishing the 20 mile Walk for Hunger
2. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? George W. Bush and his posse
3. Where did most of your money go? My house...mortgage, heat (in an uninsulated, 100 year old house) and fun things to put into my house
4. What was your favorite TV program? NYPD Blue. But I also missed basically no episodes of Survivor, CSI, CSI: Miami, Crossing Jordan, and Cold Case.
5. What kept you sane? Having friends and family that support me 100%, unconditionally, unfalteringly, and with laughter. Oh, and getting 9 hours of sleep almost every night.

My Big Conference: I am planning the first-ever Women's Leadership Conference for MIT. It will be happening on the weekend of April 30th. Since the web site for the event is startign to take shape, I thought I'd share it with you, my readers.

Kim Celebrates Christmas: Yesterday I participated, for the fifth time, in Christmas in the City, an annual extravaganza for Boston-area families who are homeless or otherwise disenfranchised. It is an absolutely exhausting day, filled with kids, laughter, complaints, SantaS, chicken nuggets, TOYS, face paint, and undercooked pizza. Each year I expend all of my energy, and then some, in helping these kids celebrate the holidays...many of whom would have little to no holiday otherwise. It is an amazing experience. Thanks to Emily for once again serving as our fearless Shelter Captain! I may even be a Shelter Captain next year. Who wants to join me???

Pay Up: Remember those MasterCard commercials about what we would give up if the Sox won the World Series? Apparently they heard up and it is time to pay up. Ooops! I can't post the movie on the blog (files won't work) but send me a note in the comment section and I email it to you. Very funny!

Friday Five Year in Review (Part One): Thanks to a list of questions I found about the year in review, I bring back the Friday Five for at least the next few weeks.
1. What did you do in 2004 that you'd never done before? Repelled and went on a zip line in a rainforest and went whitewater rafting.
2. What would you like to have in 2005 that you lacked in 2004? A serious relationship.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes, Chip and Abby had Rebecca!
4. Did anyone close to you die? No. But I went to two funerals, one for Paul's uncle and one for Jamie's Mom.
5. What countries did you visit? Mexico, Costa Rica, Israel. A very blessed year. Next year I will go to England and Germany at least.

Lightning Strikes Twice: Last week I reported that I saw a cab drive several miles with a coffee cup on the roof of the car. Last night as I was driving home, I was next to another cab that not only had a coffee cup on the roof, but it was sitting precariously on the slanted part of the front roof...just hanging out. Are they installing sticky stuff on the bottom of Dunkin Donuts cups these days? Is this a new way to cool your coffee? How odd!

L'chaim! Secret Rabbi Revealed: After being sent on a scavenger hunt to find out the identify of my Secret Rabbi, I discovered it was none other than...ELENA, my trusty assistant! (I also got another fancy ring...this time its beaded) I found out she even called my Mom to see about sending some things to Cleveland for when I was home last weekend. She is unbelievable! And thankfully she is as awesome of an employee as she is a friend and Secret Rabbi.

Blessed by a Secret Rabbi- The Secret Rabbi of whom I spoke last week, has provided me with a silly, suspenseful, and playful Hanukkah this year. Gifts included: five white roses, Forbidden Fruit Apple Candy, Shalom: The Chosen Gum ("Oy, that's good gum...Would it kill you to buy two?"), a sparkley ring (wearing it for the last 2 days), a "Damn It" button for my computer keyboard (or car), a Smurfette figurine, and lots of gelt. I hope he/she revels them self to me at some point....

A preview of my pictures from Israel...me floating in the Dead Sea. 

The sweet, lovely, adorable, and amazing Rebecca. 

Fun New Site to Explore: Thanks to the Globe for telling me about this new site...well, new to Boston...we are the 5th city added.

Fun Visit to Cleveburg- I got home last night from a fast, but fun, weekend in Cleveland. I got to see Rebecca TWICE (pictures posted soon), saw Arin once alone for brunch and then rendez vous'ed again the next day to have brunch with her and Jon G., had dinner with mom, dad, Kev and Nismans, went to see Ocean's Twelve with Kathy, Tom and Emily (B+), and did a bit of shopping.

Going to See Rebecca (and others)- I am leaving for Cleveland tonght to go to see Rebecca, Chip and Abbey's baby. So excited! I will also of course see other frieeds and family, but this is my Rebecca Trip, scheduled since before she was born in September. Look for pictures when I return...in the meantime, check out these. (I think I am responsible for most of the hits to the page...)

Inspiring Words: This quote was included on a solicitation to the MIT community to raise money for a graduate fellowship in honor of outgoing President Chuck Vest. I found it to be quite impressive. “Ponder the unthinkable. Question the status quo. Live in the world as well as in your own nation. Dream of a better future, but contribute to the present. Share your talents. Commune with all people. Be steady friends and bold companions. Address the truly important issues of your times. Be honest in all that you do. Take your education, your talent, and your energy, and build a nation and a world community that consider knowledge a gift to be shared, a healthy planet a place to be cherished, and human dignity and opportunity fundamental conditions to be enjoyed by all people.”

Secret Rabbi Hits Again: I just went to my inter-office mailbox to find a HUGE bag of Hanukkah geldt (chocolate)! This time there was no note, but the handwriting was different than the note with the flowers from yesterday. The name above mine on the envelope (the only other name) was a professor at the business school. Someone is being very sly! I just went around to my entire office and gave them candy, so that I could spread the Hanukkah joy, and perhaps tell my Secret Rabbi how pleased I am. Very interesting...

Camp: Last night's trip to the theater to see Johnny Guitar was funny, tune-ful, and highly amusing. Em and I were giggling outloud throughout the show, not to mention singing a single line of the title song over and over again. Now we have to see the silly Joan Crawford movie that the musical is based on.

Giggle giggle: I came into my office this morning to find five beautiful white roses, with a note saying "Happy Hanukkah from your Secret Rabbi" I can most likely narrow it down to a few people at work, but I don't recognize the handwriting as being any of theirs. So if he or she is reading this...thanks...you made my day!

Going to the Theatre: Em and I go to the next play in our subscription to the SpeakEasy Stage Company tonight. It is described as, "Based on the 1954 cult classic film that starred Joan Crawford, Johnny Guitar: The Musical uses a mix of 50's rock, doo-wop and steamy Southwestern ballads to tell the story of a feud that erupts between a sultry saloonkeeper and a jealous tycoon over the control of a small western town." My review will be in tomorrow.

Calories for a Month: Once again I was invited to an all our gourge-fest for MIT event planners. On the menu of today's lunch (hosted by The Hotel@MIT) was:
Open bar including hard liquor (I had one of the 4 red wines they were offering)
Cheese, grapes and cracker display (I passed)
Swordfish with a kidney bean sauce (interesting...)
Green beans and carrots in a garlic saute
Mashed potatoes
Pumpkin ravioli in a creamy ginger sauce (the best thing there!!!)
Carved whole turkey
Sausage and mushroom stuffing (No thanks)
Raw veggies with 2 dips
Squash bisque (not my fave)
A variety of rolls
A champagne toast
A desert buffet with about 30 different desserts (like cakes and pies...not just cookies)

My tummy is now a witch's brew...with all the food, the wine, the champage, the dessert....thank goodness my assistant had Tums!

Festival of Lights Diddy: In honor of tonight being the first night of Chanukah, I bring you a special song by Adam Sandler. Hit it, Adam!

Two Is More Than One: Two great things happened on this day in history, and only one bad. My mom and Shelby were born today, and Pearl Harbor was bombed. I think we all came out ahead. (My apologies to those of you who were more profoundly affected by the later.) Happy birthday Ma and Shleb!

Free Ride to Work: Driving into work today, I saw a cup of Starbucks coffee getting a free ride to work. Clearly the person inside the cab, or the person who had recently gotten out of the cab, left their cup of coffee on the roof of the taxi. I drove almost the entire way to work watching the cup just sit there...never falling off...never sliding...just enjoying the scenery.

My New Hometown Spanked My Old Hometown: The Patriots *killed* the Browns yesterday. But I suppose I should give them leniency, since they were in the first week of a new QB and new coach...and they *were* playing the infallible Pats.

Ms. Handywoman: I am so proud of myself (easily done admittedly). I took the old, ugly fan/light fixture in my kitchen and transformed it into a new looking, beautiful fixture over the weekend. I bought new light fixtures, primed the blades of the fan, spray painted the whole fixture, and it looks brand new! (Note to self, use a mask next time you spray paint...my nose hairs turned white, which makes me worry what my lungs looked like) Anyhow, I am quite pleased with myself.

Another Tragedy for GLB People in the Church: A woman is CONVICTED of being a lesbian minister.

Who Would've Known: Federally funded abstinence education programs that are used in 25 states contain false and misleading information about contraception, abortion and sexually transmitted diseases, said Rep. Henry Waxman...In another instance, the Why kNOw curriculum asserts "twenty-four chromosomes from the mother and twenty-four chromosomes from the father join to create this new individual," the report said. The correct number is 23 each. Some curriculums also rely on what Waxman called damaging stereotypes about boys and girls, including that girls care less about achievement and their futures. The Why kNOw curriculum teaches: "Women gauge their happiness and judge their success by their relationships. Men's happiness and success hinge on their accomplishments."

Somerville and Israel: Ironically, I first heard of this story when I was in Israel. My aunt was reading the Jerusalem Journal and told me that "some city in MA called Summerville" was trying to divest from Israel. She had no idea that this is where I live. Apparently it is a small group of people in Somerville who are trying to push this forward, and the outcry AGAINST it is what is really what is newsworthy.

New Blog: My cousin Adam has created a blog, whose link you will now find in the toolbar to the right. He is a stand-up comic in NYC (among other things) and his witty (and random) musing are definitely worth a view.

She's Got Sauce: Emily and I almost went to the new restaurant Sauce in Davis Square on Tuesday night, but ended up at Amelia's Trotteria, where I had never been but LOVED. After reading this review, we definitely will have to go some time, perhaps with a larger group to share the tapas.

Hilary Must Be Thrilled: Apparently NBC and CBS are refusing to air an ad from the United Church of Christ because the spot, intended to make the point that the Protestant denomination is welcoming, briefly shows two men who are holding hands being turned away from an unnamed church. The UCC's policy of open and affirming congregations is part of what brought Hilary to their ministry (I think). (Not to mention that Shelby's dad is a UCC minister too.) If only the religious world had more ministers like Hilary and Randy.

I'm Back: So, since I wrote last, I have been to Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Israel. Sorry for the lack of postings...I am sure there are at least 4 people who noticed my absence. Anyhow, back to the regularly scheduled program.