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.

Leavin' on a Jet Plane: Sorry I have been a stranger...I leave tomorrow morning for a tri-city West Coast trip...Seattle, Los Angeles and San Diego. Wish me luck on all my events... Till we meet again. Oh, and VOTE KERRY!

Comment on photo below...this man is FOR Kerry, don't you think? The more I thought about it, the less I was sure.

This says it all! (Well, not really...I'll post more about the AWESOME, but cold, parade soon.) In the meantime, VOTE KERRY! 

Break the Curse Cookies: My very thoughtful (and highly skilled) assistant Elena brought me a Break the Curse cookie today. On the packaging it directed me to a website, where not only did I learn about the cookies (which are made by a wonderful, socially responsibile company here in Boston, whose cookies I adore!) but there are also ideas on "Random Nice Things" to do...one is even to do something nice to a New Yorker...now come on!!!

Another Reason I May Move to Canada: A judge threw a party complete with balloons, streamers and a cake to welcome a former fugitive back to her court -- and sentence him to life in prison.

Laughing Too Hard to Type: If you haven't already done so (I'm a bit behind the times) you should check out the most recent installment from our frineds at Jibjab entitled "Good to Be In DC! Giggle giggle!

With the Red Sox in the World Series, and the Patriots having the longest winning streak in history, I figure it is fitting to have a Sports Friday Five:
- What is your favorite sport to watch on tv? Football! Love it! In person I find it too hard to figure out who is carrying the ball, and seeing what the penalties are, but on TV the camera oh so conveniently helps me out. It is embarrassing at times how loud and crazy I get when I am sitting at home alone watching the Pats.
- What is your favorite sport to watch in person? Minor league baseball, preferable the Lowell Spinners. Em and I got hooked three years ago and I have gone to at least 4 games each year since. The erratic (somewhat Bad News Bears-esqe) plays, the insane between innings shenanigans, and really cheap food, parking and tickets, what more could you ask for!
- What sport to you most like to play? Dumb question for me to propose since I don't like to play sports at all. I "play" (word used VERY loosely) on the work softball team, but let's just say we won 2 games this year, which beat last year's record. Not to mention, I am more fond of the First Base Dance I created (and have actually had cause to do a couple of times this year) than actually playing the game. But I am a damn good cheerleader and a wonderful beer drinker afterwards.
- If you could be really good at any sport, which would it be? Boy, I am so much not an athlete that this is almost hard to answer....probably tennis, since you can do it in lots of places, you don't need to pull together a team, and if you are really good you can look like a superstar.
- Who will find the World Series? The Red Sox in six games. (knocking on wood as we speak...or type!)

Miracles Do Happen: As stated in the New York Times, "It was actually happening. The nerd was kissing the homecoming queen. Paper was beating scissors; scissors were beating rock. Charlie Brown was kicking the football. The Red Sox were beating the Yankees for the American League pennant." God damn I better rest up the next two nights in preparation for Saturday night (and as recovery for the last month!)

And Rebecca Clarie xxx one week old in daddy's arms. If you want to see all my pictures, send me a note in the comment section. 

As long as I am posting photos, here is one of me, Hilary and Steve at an orchard last month. 

The ladies and I celebrated my birthday a day early...Sex in the City style. So much fun! 

YEAH RED SOX: Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreicate? Ortiz, Ortitz, Daaaaavid Ortiz! Go Sox! (Sorry MM, but you're going down!)

It's Cool To Be From Ohio: My classmate Jeremy Kahn, managing editor of The New Republic, wrote an article about how it is now cool to be from Ohio, a/the privitol swing state. I was particularly amused by this part, "Attending college on the East Coast, I found that many of my classmates--experts on the subtle class distinctions between Long Island towns and able to exchange knowing nods at the mention of certain New Jersey Turnpike exits--seemed only dimly aware of where Ohio was. "It borders Illinois, right?" Well, no. And there were frequent mix-ups about my hometown. "You're from Cincinnati right? No, wait, don't tell me. Columbus." Cleveland. I'm from Cleveland."

With A Grain of Salt: I don't put too much stock in polling results, especially when things are so close, and especially after how it turned out four years ago, but this week, for the first time since July 18, the CNN polls show Kerry leading Bush (49% to 48%).

Travel Friday Five: Since I have been traveling so much in the last few months (Ohio, Nevada/California, Connecticut) and will be traveling so much in the coming months (Washington, California, Israel, Ohio, Arizona, London) I thought I would use this theme...
- When was the last time you were on a plane? Coming back from Cleveland last Sunday night.
- When was the last time you were on a train? (for travel) I think it was when I went on my East Coast trip before I went to grad school-- to NYC, Boston and Vermont.
- How far will you travel this weekend? Thankfully, I think the farthest point will be Emily and Nat's house in Watertown, to watch the Red Sox on Saturday.
- What is your favorite mode of travel? In terms of getting me from one place to the other, probably a cruise ship. Of course, not always so feasible, but fun none the less.
- What is your least favorite part of traveling? How much it hurts my back.

Fuel to the Fire (aka Preaching the the Choir...I hope):
BUSH SAID: "He [Kerry] voted to increase taxes 98 times."
REALITY: Attack Debunked as "Dubious Claim," "Wrongly Claimed," "Iffy," "Misleading," "Exaggeration," "Padded," "Baffling," "Questionable," and "Inflated" are just some of the phrases newspapers and independent analysts have used to describe this bogus charge. The truth? Kerry has gone on the legislative record over 640 times for lower taxes.

BUSH SAID: "Most of the tax cuts went to low and middle income Americans, and now the tax code is more fair, 20 percent of the upper income people pay about 80 percent of the taxes in America today because of how we structured the tax cuts."- GWB, 10/13/04
REALITY: In 2004, Top One Percent Will Receive Average Tax Cut Of $35,000; Middle Class Will Receive Average Tax Cut Of $647. The benefits of Bush's tax cuts primarily benefit the rich. The top one percent of households will receive tax cuts averaging almost $35,000--or 54 times more than middle-class families. Households with incomes above $1 million will receive tax cuts averaging about $123,600.

The list goes on and on. I truly just don't understand why someone would prefer Bush as our leader than Kerry. Health care, domestic policy, international policy, intellect, critical thinking skills, articulateness, foriegn policy, tax policy, abortion rights, presence in reality, ability to admit when you are wrong and change stances, abilty to look at changing facts and change stances, slimeyness....Seriously.

Back in the Saddle Again: Yes, I am still here...just very busy. I'll try to get some info posted today and this weekend.

Baby Rebecca: Need I say more? Oh yeah, I get to meet her this weekend! Tomorrow!

Argh: I just wrote a fairly long post about the Minary Conference, but there was an error and it is gone. So, the Cliff Notes are: good conference, great place, kayaking, hiking, fantastic food, Disco Bingo, learned a fair amount. Scroll down on this page to see some great photos from the place. BEAUTIFUL! I took some other photos which I will post on Snapfish soon.

"Conference" Recap: I am back for about 36 hours from the Minary Conference near Lake Tahoe before heading to Cleveland for the weekend. (where I will meet Rebecca Claire Carter!!!!) So, to summarize...
- We were given a Pontiac Sunfire...a cheap level sports car. It had manual windows, was kinda dirty, and had almost zero "umph"
- I was able to go kayaking and on a great hike during network free time (I really did network too) We also played Disco Bingo (just as you would imagine and then some) and ate wonderful food.
- I learned a fair amount from the other participants (Its a small conference with about 50 people), have a better understanding of how/why MIT does things the way they do after having to explain it to others, and feel re-charged from being out in nature. (Our cabins sat directly on the lake and it was just like being back at Kamaji...well, not quite)

Kimpossible Has Left the Building: I will be working at the Alumni Leadership Conference today and tomorrow, and then leaving for a conference near Lake Tahoe from Sunday through late Wednesday night. Then I am in Boston on Thursday and leave for Cleveland on Friday evening through Sunday night.

You Read My Mind: Stressed spelled backwards is desserts.-Barbara Enberg

Fall Friday Five (gosh I love alliteration):

- What is your favorite season? FALL!!!! I love the cool (but not yet cold) crisp air, the changing leaves, the sense of a new school year (since I have been in school or working with/for schools since I was 6), my birthday, apples, the Jewish New Year, and fall clothes.

- How many times have you FALLEN in love? Twice.

- What is the last thing that made your heart FALL? Realizing that there were 3 things I *could* have done last night, and I had to do the one I least wanted to do. (Attend an event for work...I actually was excited to go until I found out two other things I could have been doing)

- How many major waterFALLS have you been to? Niagara Fall (NY/Canada), Dunn River Falls (Jamaica), Multanoma Falls (OR), and a couple in Costa Rica (can't remember their names) are the big ones I remember. At camp we would stop on our canoe trips to sit under the pounding water, which was always a highlight.

- What five words best describe your upcoming FALL? unhaltingly busy, geographically dispersed, apples

Logic Problem: You have 12 cases of beer (12 beers in each case) A normal bottle of beer has 12 ounces. One of the cases is filled with bottles containing only 11 ounces per bottle, and all other 11 cases are filled with normal 12 ounce bottles. You are given ONE press on a digital scale to figure our which case has the 11 ounce bottles. How do you do it? (ask questions in the comment section)

Question: If a man speaks in the woods and no woman hears, is he still wrong?

Birth Announcement: As I was driving home from Temple last night, I called home to get a voice mail from Chip, stating that Abby was in labor. This morning, at about 10:00 a.m., Chip and Abby welcomed Rebecca (middle name tbd) into this world. She was delivered early because of some concerns of the doctor, and was small, at a little under 5 pounds. She is progressing well, as is Abby. I am smiling ear to ear and am so happy for them. What a blessing for the New Year!

"Kimpossible-Cole's-Jewish-New-Year" Friday Five:
- Do you know who Kimpossible is? Yes, I know who the person is who writes this blog (KHC) and the Disney cartoon character that this is reference to. She (both) is a feisty redhead who is prone to wear black shirts, has lots of energy, had lots of great friends, take sh*t from no one, and likes to be in control. (See...that's why I picked the persona!) The funny part is that I have never watched a full episode.
- How many people with the last name Cole do you know? Even I know surprisingly few. I know the small Cole family, but I don't know if I *know* anyone else with that last name.
- What religion do you consider yourself? Culturally I consider myself Jewish. In terms of rituals and holidays, I also consider myself Jewish. There is certainly no other organized religion that I follow. My values and sense of being are compatible to Judaism, although they are also found in many other religions. I really treasure the High Holidays as a time to reflect, take the time to be still long enough to think about where I have been and where I would like to be going, and think about the kind of person I strive to be.
- What is the newest thing you have? Some wine I bought last weekend at a vineyard with Hilary and Steve in CT.
- What is your favorite year of your life? I think sophomore year of college. I had great friends, liked where I was living (with Major Mocha), was happy in my classes, and just felt good about my life. Unfortunately I would say that 1st-8th grade were hard for me because I was picked on a lot (not that I was miserable all the time but I wouldn't say they were the best years of my life) and I have serious tragedies in my life in high school. I have actually said that I think I have been happier every year since I was 13. I still think that stands if I base it on my self esteem, quality of life, sense of self, and overall joy.

Shout Out To Ms. Eyrich: In yesterday's Globe a picture of a young girl doing Highland Dancing jumped out at me. Macalester College (where I went to undergrad) is a Scottish school and one of my closest friends did highland dance all through college. My friends and I would even go watch her compete in Highland Games, where she and our classmates were always the oldest participants. Looks like a Scottish Fair is out this way this weekend.

Huh?: In a story about a man who fell to his death while on a hike in the Grand Canyon, it reports, "It was an unclear why the man fell while hiking Saturday...His wife had been walking in front of him and didn't see him fall...Authorities didn't release the man's identity because they had not yet positively identified the body Monday." Does the woman not know who her husband is? How could thye be having trouble identifying the body?

I Drive A Driving School Car???: When we were teenagers, we used to say that Judi's car looked like a driving school car. Ya know, all the driving schools used these boxy-ish Chevy's and other cars, that when you saw them you thought "Driving School Car". Well, driving into work today I was behind a student driver in a CAROLLA! That's my car! Hopefull this means that driving schools have become hip, and not a statement of my car tastes. (Except, maybe it shows that I pick safe, easy to drive, and common cars....)

Weekend Update: On Friday I went down to CT to see Hilary and Steve around 4, and arrived there around 6. We hung out for a bit and then went to a yummy (and HUGE) dinner at Angellino's. We then went to the 9:50 showing of Vanity Fair. It was quite good (maybe a B+) but I was sooooo tired! Saturday it was pouring so we stayed in and were cozy for the first part of the day. Hilary did a fashion show of her clothes so she could sort, eliminate and plan her wardrobe. Then we went to a vineyard and did a wine tasting around 4, and went to an orchard to pick apples after that. We went back to their place where we (by that I mainly mean Steve, who is a wonderful cook) cooked dinner and made apple crisp with the apples we picked. We also made s'mores on the bbq! Sunday I drove home around 10 (beautiful fall day) and went to the new SUPER grocery store by my house. Its like a city! I made some of "Kim's Famous Soup" to have for the week, and went to my brothers for a little bit to help him strategize his new furniture etc. Then I watched some of the Patriots and went babysitting (well, 8 year-old sitting). (By the way, Pats won!!!!...we don't talk about the Red Sox this weekend) The other good news/bad news is that my back feels 85% better, after bringing me to tears for about 1.5 months! The bad news is that I have a cold. No wonder, since the temp has been going between 72-45-68 all week. I would much rather have a cold than a bad back!!! So, here I am back at work. Marshall and I are going to dinner tonight...its been way too long!

L'Shana Tova: Happy (Jewish) New Year to all my loved one (and everyone else too) May you have a happy, healthy, and love-filled year.

We Lost A Nuclear Bomb???: Government experts are investigating a claim that an unarmed nuclear bomb, lost off the Georgia coast at the height of the Cold War, might have been found, an Air Force spokesman said Monday. The hydrogen bomb was lost in the Atlantic Ocean in 1958 following a collision of a B-47 bomber and an F-86 fighter.

Long But Quite Interesting Aricle: After nearly being killed when his drunk cab driver got into an accident, former NBA player Manute Bol recovers in the hospital. The Globe reports, "Some 76 days after the accident and still facing a long rehabilitation, Bol is not only broken but broke. He says he has no health insurance and is not eligible for his NBA pension until he is 45. He gave away an estimated $3.2 million to help his countrymen fight the Islamic government in Sudan, and he's not sorry he did. "I don't feel bad because I feel I saved some people by doing that," said Bol."

This Could Be Big: Ericka Ebbel, MIT alumna, won the talent portion of the priliminary round at the Miss America pagent last night. Two of my collegues are going to Atlantic City this weekend to watch the actual pagent. A rifle shooting, piano playing, beautiful, wicked smart, MIT educated woman in the Miss America pagent! Who woulda thunk? She is actually favored to reach the top 5 at least!

Truly Excellent Movie: Last night Emily and I went to see Garden State (after a yummy dinner at Cheesecake Factory....mmmmm, Thai lettuce wraps). I am not overstating when I say it was one of the best movies I have ever seen. (Mom and Dad- Yes, I know you predicted I would love it...thanks!) Absolutely fantastic acting (it didn't even seem like they were acting), wonderful writing, and wonderful character to explore in Natalie Portman's character.

Kim's Semi-Cranky, Semi-Happy Friday Five:

* What five things are you most cranky about? My back has been hurting me so much lately that it brought me to the point of making me tear up today (I have been going to a chiropractor 2-3 times a week...I am just so uncomfortable!), I don't have plans tonight, my knee hurts and I don't know why, the Red Sox lost last night, and I lost my sunglasses.
* What five things are you happiest about? It is supposed to be a beautiful weekend, the Patriots won last night, my meeting went quite well last night, I am working to heal a relationship in my life that has been hurting, and I had an amazingly honest and eye opening conversation with someone at work this morning.
* What five words would describe you right now? physically uncomfortable, productive, hungry, optimistic
* What five words do you WISH described you right now? limber, eating ice cream, giggling
* What five words would describe your past week? busy, child-filled, sleepy, productive

Yeah Pats! One down....15 more to go...then the playoffs...then about 4 more to go...then the Super Bowl Champs AGAIN....oh, wait, did I just get ahead of myself?

Wish Me Luck: Tonight I am hosting a "focused discussion" (not to be confused with a focus group...these alumnae are far to elite for such rif raf) about the MIT Women's Leadership conference I am in charge of this spring. As my boss astutely warned "Kim, you know you have to do the rest of your job too...and can't just plan this women's event, right?" Eight high power (highly opinionated, and used to being listened to) alumnae are coming to my dinner and meeting, hosted at a hotel. I feel well prepared, and hope that I will be met with supportive women, who offer constructive criticism, lots of good ideas, and offers of their personal contacts etc. We'll see.... Also, my boss and my boss's boss will be there.....Talk slowly, listen carefully, don't be defensive, its gunna be great. p.s. Good luck to Prof. Em, who is teaching her first class at Tuft's X College tonight. Lady power!

A Wonderful Idea: A job and maybe a home (plus an increased quality of life) all because of voice mail. The nonprofit Community Voice Mail project provides homeless people with a way for potential employers, social service agencies and relatives to contact them. It also enables them to apply for a job without having to tell a prospective employer they are living on the streets.

In sporting news: The streaking Red Sox all but did no wrong as they whipped A's bulldog Tim Hudson behind the latest act of mastery by Pedro Martinez to win their 20th game in 22 tries by completing a staggering sweep, 8-3, at Network Associates Coliseum. Also, the WORLD CHAMPION New England Patriots (did I tell you we won the Super Bowl???) open their season against the Hoosier Colts (he he he Dad) Beautiful!

A Little Bit of Hate Removed: Richard G. Butler, the notorious white supremacist who founded the Aryan Nations and was once dubbed the "elder statesman of American hate," died in his sleep at his home in Hayden, Idaho, authorities said yesterday....I have to admit, I mourn some losses more than others.

Health Is More Than Skin Deep: I was just looking at a recent picture of Clinton, thinking that he looked thinner and healthy. Then I read today that he is in need of a heart bypass, perhaps a quartuple, maybe as early as Saturday. Guess it really doesn't work to eat junk food for 50 years, diet for one, and expect to have no ill affects. (Although better late than never!)

3oth Birthday Friday Five: (no, I'm already 30!...but someone else is turning 30 tomorrow and I am throwing a party to mark the occasion.)

1. Where were you 30 years ago? I was just less than a year old. I lived in Rittenhouse Circle and would blissfully have about 2 more years of being an only child. I know it will not shock those that know me, but I think I was already talking.
2. Where would you like to be in 30 years? I would like to be happily married, with 2 kids (including a daughter named Maya...or some such spelling) I would like to be the Director of Something at a nonprofit who's mission I feel passionately about. I would also like to be traveling about 4 times a year. (and therefore have the financial resources to do that)
3. What 3 wishful things would you like for your birthday this year? Enough money to pay off my credit cards, a fantastic birthday date (although a wonderful evening with friends is always fantastic too...but as long as I am being wishful...) and a headboard for my bed. I already got one of the presents I wanted for my birthday (which isn't until next month) which is a digital camera.
4. What was the best birthday present you ever got? Two things...the home I bought for myself for my 30th birthday, and the cruise my parents paid for as a combo birthday/finishing grad school gift.
5. What is your overall opinion of birthdays? I love them! Not just mine...EVERYONE'S. I think it is the one day a year you get to celebrate the people you love in a totally loving, self-less, and wonderful way. I think it is so important to tell the people in your life how awesome they are, and birthdays are a great time to do that. I also don't mind aging, so there is no stress involved in becoming one year older.

More About Shaker: Speaking of my home town and its schools, a couple weeks ago ABC aired a show called The Reunion, which was revisiting a class of kindergarteners who were the first class of the newly integrated Ludlow area of Shaker. The show was very interesting, and really captured the flavor, good and bad, of the truth about growing up in Shaker. Although they were obviously at Shaker in a different ear, some of the themes certainly persist today...again, for good and bad. There is audio and other commentary on the site.

Education Policy In Practice: My alma mater, Shaker Heights High School, was given a "needs improvement" rating according the the federal No Child Left Behind program, because of its low-scoring special education program. This rating is then associated with the entire school, which is deemed not meeting the NCLB standards. To me, the whole NCLB thing is another example of policy being created, and evaluated, without concern for individual issues, and budgets. After all, I would hope that would NOT mean more money for Shaker, which is quite well supported. It also is a further example of how the lofty Shaker High (which I think gave *ME* a great education) still need work. People send so much time praising the district, they don't notice that many people are falling through the cracks...wonder who they might be????

He's Not Worth Nearly That Much: A woman pays for her clothes at Fashion Bug with a $200 bill with GW Bush's face on it. I question both the cashier, and the customer.

Holy Cannoli: The Cleveland Indians beat the New York Yankees 22-0! I think pigs just flew and hell might be getting awfully cold....how can I test my luck?

How Cool Is This? Apple Computer has unveiled its new iMac desktop computer design, which integrates all disk drives and processors into a flat display less than two inches thick.

Put Your Wallet Where Your Mouth Is (If You Want): Tonight at midnight, the Democratic Party will reach its critical August fundraising deadline. Every dollar you contribute today will be matched by a group of dedicated Democrats.

Awesome Camping Pictures: Thanks to the photo hound Peter, here are LOTS of pictures from our rainy, and VERY fun camping trip from last weekend. I recommend clicking the slide show in the upper right corner...it goes fast. Pay particular notice to picture around 60, of people climbing into the bunker. This is where (but not when) we went to during the monsoon. Enjoy!

A Perfect Game for My Brother: The Beer Game, created in MIT's Sloan School of Management, that asks MBA-types to simulate a beer supply chain. As Homer Simpson said, "Here's to alcohol: the source of, and answer to, all of life's problems."

Tooting Someone Else's Horn: (ohhh...sounds kinky!) From the Assoc Dean at Case Law School (sent to me by his proud wife), I am pleased to announce that Professor Chip xxx won the 1L Professor of the Year Award, selected by the class of 2006. Professor xxx's students expressed deep admiration for his "impressive teaching style," stressing that he made Civil Procedure "stimulating and entertaining through his articulate delivers and fine sense of humor." Students observed that he was "phenomenal at keeping our attention," and took "an extremely detailed subject and boil[ed] it down to simple concepts." One student summed it all up: "Case is lucky to have xxx." Yeah Chipo!

A Yale-y: I forgot to mention that Susan Hockfield, the new President, comes from serving as Provost of Yale. Sorry Dad.

New President for MIT: A redheaded WOMAN is the next President of MIT, as Pres. Vest steps down after 14 years. I have heard great things about Dr. Hockfield, in terms of her getting along well with students and really working on issues of diversity and women. Guess I know who I will be asking to be my featured speaker at my Women's Event this spring. Couldn't be better time for me to be planning an event for women alumnae...a women President of MIT, a women as the Exec VP of the Alumni Association, and a woman as the President of the Alumni Association Board for this year. Girl power!

Clearly something's wrong: When I took the quiz called "What Flavour Am I?", it said I am tea, which is desribed as I am a subtle flavour, quiet and polite, gentle, almost ambient. My presence in crowds will often go unnoticed. Best not to spill me on your clothes though, I can leave a nasty stain." I took it twice, with slightly different answers (once I saw you could chek more than one answer) and it still said tea...or maybe bread...which is also kind of a wall flower. What are you?

Age Old Problem: Also in the magazine section was a little antidote about the drama of speed dating. I only did it once, about a year ago, but I seem to have had an experience similar to the author. "Unfortunately, the two men I selected to meet again didn't pick me. And 12 men whom I didn't pick selected me. Now, that is an age-old problem I would love to see a solution for."

More News from Outer Space: Sunday's Boston Globe (which I didn't get around to reading until last night because of the camping trip) had another interesting and fun article about MIT's astronaut Mike Fincke. "If anybody says, 'Where did you grow up? 'I almost want to say, well, not Pittsburgh. That's my hometown, and I love it as such, but I really grew up at MIT."

Weekend Recap: On Friday night I went to the Lowell Spinners game with Emily. This was our 4th (and last) game of the season...and they finally won! I went camping on Lovell's Island, one of the Boston Harbor Islands, with 9 friends during the MONSOON on Saturday night. We got soaked (funny stories available if interested) but had fun...much rain, climbing into old WWII bunkers for protection, tons of junk food, playing Uno (and other adult games), hiking, etc. Sunday was beautiful so we stayed on the island longer than initially planned so we could take advantage of the great weather. Sunday night I went out to dinner with a group of friends to celebrate someone being in town...went to Christopher's, one of my favorite places.

Anti-Bush Funny: (Not that there is anything funny about the President, Mr. Homeland Security who is undoubtedly reading my blog) Check this out!

News of the Weird: Hopefully no such occurrence will happen during our camping trip tomorrow...a bear drank 36 beers and passed out at a camp site! Guess it won't happen to us, cuz we won't have beer....but wait, if the bear doesn't pass out on our beer, what if it eats our food?!

Kim’s “We Gotta Catch Up” Friday Five: This is ridiculous how long its been since I wrote…Emily even had to do last week’s Friday Five while I was in Cleveland. So….in order to catch up with all of you (whoever you are) here is my special Friday Five.
-- What was the last trip you went on? I went to Cleveland from last Friday morning until Monday night. On Friday, I had lunch with my dad at That Place (formally That Place on Bellflower), met some of my dad’s colleagues who do alumni relations, met with an alumnus (yes, a little work on my vacation), and had dinner with Chip and Abby at Ooma. (I think that’s what it was called) I was so excited to see Abby’s very pregnant belly, and I am so looking forward to the arrival of their daughter! I stopped by Jeff Stear’s parents’ house on my way home, because he was in Cleveland from GERMANY for one one more night. Saturday I hung out with family (including my traditional grocery shopping with mom) and saw my aunt and cousin from Israel (one of the main reasons I went home last weekend). My mom had a nice picnic on Saturday night, and my grandmother, her “special friend”, three aunts, one uncle, one “special friend” of an aunt, and two cousins came over. Sunday I had brunch with Arin at Yours Truly, and hung out with family for the rest of the day. Monday I had a meeting with 3 alumni, had lunch with my brother (who had just gotten in town), aunt and cousin, watched Kevin and Karin play basketball for awhile (Karin is my cousin who plays for the Israeli national basketball team) and then went to the airport.
-- What was the last major purchase that you made? I bought myself an early birthday present when I was in Cleveland, a Fuji F410 digital camera. Love it! Look for pictures soon!
-- What was the last disappointment you “suffered”? I came into work on Tuesday (after finding a flat tire on my car…but that’s another story) to an email from my cousin’s friend, asking me if I wanted to join her and some friends at the sold out Prince concert that night. Because I was feeling broke, plus I had plans that evening, I told her that I regrettably would need to decline. Just as my friend who I had plans with that night came into my office to say “Are you insane!?!! You’ll find the money, and we’ll reschedule!,” I got an email from the woman saying the ticket was FREE! I grabbed the phone to call her and say I would love to come, but she had just given away the ticket! Dumb me! I ended up meeting them for dinner beforehand, but was majorly bummed that I passed up an AWESOME chance to go to the show!
-- What are your plans for this weekend? Tonight I am going to dinner and the Lowell Spinner with Emily. Tomorrow there are 10 of us going camping on one of the Boston Harbor Islands (where it appears that we will be soaked) Sunday night I am going out to dinner with a group of people because a friend who moved to Texas is in town for the weekend.

-- What is yor last "overcoming procrastination" success story? I fianlly have the painters at my house finishing the job they started about 4 months ago! Now if I can just get my act together to call an electrician to put in a new outlet in my bedroom...so there isn't an extention cord going across the room.

Groundbreaking Research Out of MIT: CNN reports, Linguist Amy Perfors of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology posted photos of men and women on the U.S. Web site "Hot or Not," which lets viewers rate pictures according to how attractive they find them. When she posted the same pictures with different names, she found that the attractiveness scores went up and down depending on the vowels. (Also a shout out to Mandy Dandy, who talks about the high-brow site Hot or Not in her standup comedy routine.)

"Happy Thoughts" Friday Five:
What is your favorite dessert? Either really good cheesecake, or coffee Oreo ice cream.
What is the best thing that happened to you this week? I got a double in softball, and just had a great time at our final game of the season.
What is the last thing that made you smile? The email my colleague sent me about women over 30 (see below)
When was the last time you cracked up laughing? Last night when I went out for drinks with some co-workers to celebrate someone's birthday...it was so great to laugh so hard.
Who would you most like to show up at your house unannounced tonight? Judi....but don't do it Jude, won't be home. I would love to have a women's night of conversation and laughter with someone who knows me so well.

More Women Power: Miss Emily already posted this article, but I thought one section was particularly fun. When Barbara Ehrenreich, guest op ed writer for the NY Times, published the answers to some of the questions she has been asked you wrote:
Q. 10. Why don't you make fun of any women? John Roark, Oberlin, Ohio
A. Hey, give me some more female CEO's, generals and presidents and I'll happily make fun of them!

Women Power: My colleague sent me this, which was just what I needed today...Andy Rooney says, "As I grow in age, I value women who are over 30 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

• A woman over 30 will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.
• If a woman over 30 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And it's usually something more interesting.
• A woman over 30 knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of 30 give a damn what you might think about her or what she's doing.
• Women over 30 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.
• Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.
• A woman over 30 has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women.
• Women over 30 couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won't betray her.
• Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 30. They always know.
• A woman over 30 looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women or drag queens. Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 30 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.
• Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off you are a jerk if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Tawanda!

Good Motherly Advice: When asked to comment on how she reacted upon learning that her daughter had stuck out her tongue at cameras while campaigning, the first lady said "Her advice to her daughter? "Maybe you should work on your issues of impulsiveness or something," she recalled."

News of the Weird (and Unlikely): A man in England has killed his wife, as he fell from a ladder while pruning some bushes. He was holding a running chainsaw in his hands and fell on his wife and slit her throat. Yikes!

Bring Back the Old Mayor: Today's Globe reports that the mayor of Newburyport, MA "acknowledged conducting what she called an inappropriate relationship by electronic mail with a city gym teacher, the man her husband was charged with assaulting and threatening over the weekend." Prior to Mayor Clancy's time in office, Emily/Paul/Judi's frined Liz's sister was the mayor. Apparently the city may need her back!

Great Title, Scary Reality: I am really interested to ready Senator Robert Byrd's new book "Losing America: Confronting a Reckless and Arrogant Presidency" As he was quoted in today's Globe as saying "Byrd excoriates President Bush as callow, trivial, and arrogant, all hat and no cattle. The Senate let the people down, he said of the war vote. I was amazed. It hurt me to walk on that Senate floor, where the great stalwarts had lived and spoken -- Lister Hill, John Stennis, Everett Dirksen, Norris Cotton -- I could hear their echoes, and here we were, silent. No other senators were on the floor, just one in the chair, with this great question of war and peace confronting the people of the United States. I was so disappointed that men and women in the Senate would walk away from the Constitution and vote to shift the power to declare war. The framers put that responsibility in the hands of Congress. How they must have been whirling in their graves."

BBQ for AMY: On Saturday night (at the end of a 90 degree day) Phil hosted a bbq birthday party for Amy (not the same Amy that I went to the Vineyard with, although SHE is the open am talking to in the picture holding the baby) I spent a fair amount of the early evening on grill duty, which even though it was damn hot, was fun. Mmmm....Emily's kabobs and beer!

Backing Up a Bit in Time: On Sunday, I volunteered at the DNC. Too many stories to post here, but one of the "highlights" was when the anti-choice (pro-life) protesters came and surrounded the table I was staffing in Fanueil Hall. About 200 of them fell to the ground at the same time to "pretend" to be fetuses. Other volutneers went around to trace their bodies so there would be a record on the pavement of their protest. As you know, not only was I not intimidated, I was into it. Also, earlier in the day I got into a conflict with one of the leaders of a Lyndon LeRuche group. Ah, the fascinating political process.

Getaway from "Reality: Last Tuesday through Thursday I was on Martha's Vineyard with my friend Amy and her two adorable 13-month old twins. This is Andres and me hanging out on the beach. It was rainy for much of our time there, but we just shifted our expectations and loved the feeling of staying in our p.j's until 11:00, listening to the rain, talking about everything in life, and playing with the boys. We also toured the whole island (Amy was a great tour guide) and eat good food, including Mad Martha's ice cream. It was an amazing time!

My Favorite Ironman: Last week, my friend Jed (husband of my friend Lauren who I work with) finished his first Ironman! It is an absolutely awe inspiring accomplishment. His goal was to finishing under 13 hours, and as you can see, he finished in under 12! Just listening to Lauren tell me the stories brought huge tears to my eyes. Yeah Jed!

No More Noma: A moment of silence for our dearly departed (from Boston) Nomar Garciaparra..........

Let's Not Elect Bush Again in 2004: Am I the only one who finds it upsetting and oh-too-appropriate that Bush did not watch Kerry's acceptance speech? (Read it in Time, but can't find the article online right now) Suppose he was too busy playing golf or learning to pronounce nuclear.

Still Alive: Yes, I am still here...just a little delinquent on my blogging of late. But I am going to try to make it up to you all...including some photos. (I can only post those from home so I will have to do it tonight) I had a good weekend (albeit ridiculously hot) and am having a fine week thus far....

All's Well:  But busy...and I'm lazy today.  Weekend was good...chiropractor on Friday for x-rays and assessment (assessment is my neck and back are fuc*ked up),  moving Emily on Saturday (I was the crew chief, since I was trying to be good to my back), a great Yankees vs Red Sox game which ended in a 9th inning victory for the Sox, volunteering at the DNC (stories aplenty, including getting in an argument with the Lyndon LaRouch people and having the anti-choice protester stage a die-in surrounding my table....200 people falling to the ground "pretending" to be the fetuses that abortion kills), another fantastic Yankees/Red Sox game (sorry Major Mocha) that ended in a win, and the chiropractor again today (who told me that they want to see me 3 times a week for 4 weeks, then in decreasing amounts)  They showed me an x-ray of my neck, that is supposed to have a curve in it but mine is just vertical.  Crap!  Good news is that I will be overjoyed (and then some!) if they can take away the subtle pain I feel every day for 14 years and the major pain I feel several times a month.  Then work today, where there were about 10 of us because everyone took this week off to avoid the DNC and just enjoy summer.  Tomorrow morning I leave for Martha's Vineyard for 3 days, to return to host a "Kerry House Party" on Thursday night for his acceptance speech.  Well, that's my brief summary of lots of stuff.  Tootles!

Weekend Preview: Tonight I am going to the chiropractor after work (unless I find someone to go to the Lowell Spinners game with me?????).  Then I will go home, maybe go on a walk, watch my DVD of Six Feet Under, and straighten up my house a little.  Saturday I will go to Emily's old place, to join about 8 other people as we move her to her new place, chez Nat.  Don't know what the evening holds...but laundry needs to be done at some point this weekend.  Sunday I am volunteering with the DNC (Democratic National Committee) for the Convention, which I am looking forward to.  More sneak peek to upcoming event...I will be at work on Monday but then am going with Amy and her adorable twin Andres and Alejandro to Martha's Vineyard for Tues, Wed and Thurs.  Then I am having a "house party" for Kerry's acceptance speech at my house in Thursday night.  Some friends are coming, and so are some people who read about the event on the Kerry website.  Should be cool.

Last Night At Em's Friday Five: (random questions related to random conversations with Em as we packed her house for tomorrow's move)

1. If you didn't have scissors, what would you use to cut? When I am home, I use a knife (usually the one that is always just sitting on the counter...even if the rest of the kitchen in clean)  If I am away from home, I use my nail clippers on my key chain.
2. What is the farthest you have moved? From Washington DC (where I was born and lived until I was 6) to Mission Hills, KS (where we thankfully left when I was 9)  It was about 1073 miles according to Mapquest
3. What is the oldest food product in your house? When I was looking in my pantry for shelf-stable items to bring to a food drive a couple weeks ago, I found some cous cous that said it should be used by Sept 2002.  I know some of my spices are older than that!
4. If you could only save one thing (pets excluded) from your house in a fire, what would it be? My photo albums
5. What is your ideal indoor temperature? 70 degrees (not like the 83 degrees that it was when I got home at 9:00 p.m. last night)

Beauty and the Geek: "Hold on to your pocket protectors—MIT alumni have accomplished yet another first: Erika Ebbel '04 has won the Miss Massachusetts pageant, and now has her sights clearly set on becoming Miss America." Read this funny and interesting article by my colleague Jim about this ever-exciting MIT event. (apparently this article has 40,000 hits int he last 24 hours!)

Look!  It's Me! Thanks to Jamie, I now know how to create a virtual model of myself.  The result was frighteningly realistic.  Now you try...

Donut Drinks: First donut shops take over reign as best place to buy coffee (especially in the East) and now Krispy Kreme is making a donut drink!  Are you supposed to dunk your donut in the donut drink?

Bad News: Some days I wish I didn't even read the news.

Starting the Week on the Funny Foot:  Aprropriate after seeing Farenhiet 9/11 this weekend, Lauren sent me this FANTASTCI little movie.  I was cracking up at my desk...hope it brings you as much joy! 

Follow Up:  Is it "even worse than me" or "even worse than I"????  I think it must be "I"...even worse than I am.

Even Worse Than I: Two years too late, it was noted that a sign on the wall commemorating the World Trade Center attack states that "September 11, 2002 was a pivotal day for the country and the world"  Um, close...but a year after the event.  On a connected, but not nearly as significant note, I was in a meeting yesterday where we were discussing marketing pieces for next year.  My boss showed the "communications team" a sample from two years ago, at which point the person from communications said "Looks great, but are we changing the spelling of 'Revoloution'"  Again, two years too late.  Makes my careless editing seem much less glaring. 

News of the Obsurd: In this week's News of the Weird it is reported that "Nurse Jackie Tvedt held on to her state license even though she was fired in January from a nursing home in Newton, Iowa, for allegedly providing a reduced level of care to those patients whom God had told her that He would take care of."  What is this world coming to? Don't answer that...I fear that I know. 

Supporting the Troops: As Emily's bumper sticker says, "Support the Troops, Fire Their Boss"  A touching story out of Chicago, where 8 first-class passengers gave up their seats to soldiers coming home from Iraq.

Colorful Friday Five (in honor of the new color capacity of Blogger):

1. What color are the walls of you bedroom? I painted them a light, kind of slate-y, blue.  It needs another coat though...cuz I tried to be lazy and paint only the places that needed a bit more and now you can see where I did that.
2. What was your favorite color in fourth grade? Purple.  Anything purple.  Especially Shaker-knit sweaters and coily bracelets.
3. What color are your undies today? Rainbow stripes!
4. What color is your natural hair color? Red. Not orange-red, but more of a rusty red.  With some strawberry blonde mixed in.  I am often asking those around me if someone's hair looks like mine because I really don't quite know what mine looks like.  Not to mention that sometimes forget to include the descriptor "redhead" when arranging to meet with someone I don't know.  Silly!
5. What color pen do you prefer to write with? Blue medium ballpoint.

Fancy Schmancy: Blogger got all sorts of formating capacity overnight!  How cool!

Tibetan Food: Also from Chowhounds (this time the Boston board) I learned that there is a new Tibetan restaurant in Davis. Kinda interesting since this is a sort of "rare" cuisine and there is another Tibetan restaurant about a half mile away. I definitely want to check this out...who wants to come?

My Pet Peeve (well one of them) Validated: I had to post this thread from the Chowhounds site..."Why do guests ignore the RSVP request?" As someone who loves to entertain, its hard when you don't know if you are cooking/planning for 10 or 40. I care much less about WHO is coming, than HOW MANY are coming. Oh well, the toils of being the hostess with the mostest.

Much Ado About Something: Last night six of us braved the cold and mist to see the free production of Much Ado About Nothing in the Boston Common. It was an *excellent* show! I didn't even know the story of the play (sorry Bill Bennett) until earlier this week, but it was wonderfully done. I am quite tired though, because I didn't get home until almost midnight...definitely past my bedtime. But worth it.

Do You Want A Boy or A Girl? Today is apparently the day for pondering this question. First I got in a conversation with Lauren at lunch about raising kids with neutral gender roles, exchanging stories of people we know. Then we met up with Krista in the office, who independently was talking about how much she wants to have a girl when she has kids, and how special her relationship is with her mom. As soon as Lauren got back to her desk, she told me to log onto MSN because the front story is called "Who's Easier: Boys or Girls?: When it comes to raising kids, gender matters. But our own personality and expectations may count even more."

Martha Does Produce: Before going to jail, Martha has decided to share her insights on selecting the best produce.

Beat Bush House Party: For those of you in the Boston area (or those that want to travel to the Boston area) I will be hosting a house party on July 29 for Kerry's acceptance speech. If you go to the website, you can sign up to attend (or just let me know).

Kim Gets (Has) the Traveling Bug: Yeah! It has been a splendid week for travel plans! Yesterday I confirmed a frequent flier ticket to go to Phoenix to visit Eva in January. Today I got my e-ticket for my "women's trip" to Israel during Thanksgiving week. (My mom, grandmother and aunt are going to Israel...and probably Crete...to see my aunt, uncle and cousins that live in Israel) I am also in the process of making arrangements to go to Cleveland in early December to see Chip and Abby's new baby (well, she's not even born yet, but she should be about 2 months old when I go in December) This is all after I hopefully see Judi and her family in New Hampshire in early August, go to Cleveland in mid-August, and maybe go to NYC in late August. On top of all that, for work, I will be going to Seattle and LA in November, LA and San Diego in February, London in March and DC in April. Love it!

Political "Humor": The following email was sent to me ftom my dad. I have heard some of this before, but thought I'd still post it.

It is very tough to be a Republican in 2004, because somehow, you have to
believe concurrently that:

1. Jesus loves you, but shares your deep hatred of homosexuals and Hillary
Clinton.
2. The United States should get out of the United Nations, but our highest
national priority is enforcing UN resolutions against Iraq.
3. Standing Tall for America means firing your workers and moving their jobs
to India.
4. A woman cannot be trusted with decisions about her own body, but
multinational corporations can make decisions affecting all humankind
without regulation.
5. Being a drug addict is a moral failing and a crime, unless you're a
conservative radio host. Then it's an illness and you need our prayers for
your recovery.
6. The best way to improve military morale is to praise the troops in
speeches, while slashing veterans' benefits and combat pay.
7. Group sex and drug use are degenerate sins, unless you someday run for
governor of California as a Republican.
8. If condoms are kept out of schools, adolescents won't have sex.
9. A good way to fight terrorism is to belittle our longtime allies, but
then demand their cooperation and money.
10. HMOs and insurance companies make huge profits and have the interest of
the public at heart.
11. Providing health care to all Iraqis is sound policy. Providing health
care to all Americans is socialism.
12. Global warming and tobacco's link to cancer are junk science, but
creationism should be taught in schools.
13. It is okay that the Bush family's Carlisle Group has done millions of
business with the Bin Laden family.
14. Saddam was a good guy when Reagan armed him and Rumsfeld reassured him he was our buddy, a bad guy when Bush's daddy made war on him, a good guy
when Cheney did business with him, but then a bad guy again when Bush junior
needed a prop for his reelection campaign as the war President.
15. A president lying about an extramarital affair is an impeachable
offense. A president lying about WMD existence to enlist support for an
unprovoked, undeclared war and occupation, in which thousands soldiers and
civilians die, is, somehow, solid defense policy in a War against Terrorism.
16. Government should limit itself to the powers named in the Constitution,
which should include banning gay marriages and censoring the Internet.
17. The public has a right to know about Hillary's cattle trades, but George
Bush's Harken Oil stock trade should be sealed in his Daddy's library, and
is none of our business.
18. What Bill Clinton or John Kerry did in the 1960s was of vital national
interest but what Bush did in the 80's is irrelevant.
19. Trade with Cuba is wrong because the country is communist, but trade
with China and Vietnam is vital to a spirit of international harmony.
20. Affirmative Action is wrong, but it is OK for your Daddy and his friends
(here and in Saudi Arabia) to get you to graduate from Yale without studying
much, to dodge the draft in the Texas Air National Guard, to bail out your
companies (Harken Oil and the Texas Rangers), to get the Governorship of
Texas and then to have the Supreme Court appoint you President of the USA.
21. You are a conservative, but it is OK to spend like there is no tomorrow
and run up deficits that your grandchildren will have to pay, while at the
same refunding as much tax money as possible to rich people who do not need
it.

In honor of my going to a volunteer training for the DNC tomorrow I present "50 Nifty United States..." Friday Five:
What was the last state (other than your own) that you visited? I was in Rhode Island for my alumni relations training in June.
What state were you born in? It is a district, not a state. I was born in Washington DC, in George Washington University Hospital I believe.
What state would you like to visit next? I would love to go to California so I could see Judi, Paul and Shelby...although that would be a lot of traveling since Judi and Paul are in LA and Shelby will soon be in Davis, CA.
If we were to have only 49 states, which one would you eliminate? Alabama. Not much positive seems to happen there, and they also will probably vote for Bush.
What is your state of being right now? Kinda sleepy but slightly anxious too. I slept for a LOT of hours last night and am still tired, but have a LOT of projects running through my head and am making lists etc so I feel more in control of all that needs to get done.
(Feel free to answer these questions in the Comment section below)

Teen Empowerment Comes to Somerville: In an article entitled "Somerville firing sparks an outcry: Latinos criticize mayor's removal of youth director" it was announced that Teen Empowerment, where I worked when I first moved to Boston, will be starting a program in Somerville. Interesting.... (notice I am still listed as working there, even though I left 3 years ago)

The Return of Kimpossible: After an extra long July 4th weekend, I begrudgingly returned to work today (and the computer on which it is easiest for me to do my blog) It was a long weekend, so I will stick to the highlights for the masses...After a painfully boring day at MIT on Friday (where everyone spent most of the day hitting 'refresh' on the email to see if an announcement would be made that we could leave early), we finally got let out at 4. Later that evening, Emily & Nat, Kathy & Pete (who were on their way back to San Fran from their 5 week honeymoon), Jack & Mary, and I went to The Barking Crab. I had never been to the Boston mainstay...it was very good and we all had a fun time in each other's company. E&N, K&P and I went back to Davis for ice cream at JP Licks (yummy mint Oreo). Sunday's highlight was our amazing picnic in Arlington for the fireworks. About 20 people eventually stopped by our city of blankets/chairs for some Frisbee, fried chicken, pound cake with berries and Cool Whip, homemade lemonade, copious photo taking/showing, and giggles. We were there for over 5 hours, from picnic through the amazing fireworks on Boston (Which could be seen from our PERFECT spot on the hill). Monday I saw Mean Girls (B+) while it rained and rained and rained. Tuesday I took the day off, went to Curves, went to Target (and got really cute bowls on sale...gotta stop!), and then got together with Paul. We went on a mini-road trip to Newburyport, where we walked around for a couple of hours. We then hopped back in the car so we could meet Emily at Tu Y Yo (A+). (Including strong and good sangria.) Now I'm here back at work.

Inter-dependence Day: On July 4th, my parents celebrate their Inter-dependence Day, aka their anniversary. One might say fireworks went off on their wedding night. Mazel tov to one of the most happily married couples I know. ULI.

A New Era in Health Education: We never had exhibits like this when I worked at the Cleveland Health Museum! (now HealthSpace Cleveland) Although...we did have Juno, the transparent talking woman...whose script still pops into my head sometimes... "Hi, I am Juno..." Can you imagine..."Intended to teach people about human skeletal, cardiovascular and other systems, the final exhibit includes 25 bodies that have undergone a process called "plastination" in which body fluids are replaced with clear, pliable plastic. Most have been skinned or dissected to reveal muscles, bones, nerves and organs. Some show damage done by illnesses such as cancer and lung disease."

The Fourth: In honor of the 4th, a Friday Five of Fours...
What four celebrities would you invite over for a dinner party?
Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton, Ashley Judd, and Kofi Ananan (who went to Macalester)
What are your four pet peeves?
People who are late, bad drivers, entitlement, pessimism
What four words would you use to describe your job?
Multi-tasking, cyclical, nomadic, collaborative
What are your four favorite foods?
coffee Oreo ice cream, chicken tikka marsala, cheese pizza, Sam Camera's Pad Thai
What four life experiences have most shaped who you are?
Meeting Judi in 4th grade, Brian and my car accident, Lisa's death, my internship at Planned Parenthood in college

A Love Letter to My Cleveland: The CNN homepage has a whole article about visiting Cleveland...no longer the Mistake on the Lake. It includes many highlights including the Flats, the Jake, CWRU, Great Lakes Brewery, Edgewater Park, the Rock Hall, and Cedar Point. Yeah Cleveland!

Craziest News of the Month: Two nights ago, Erika Ebbel was named Miss Massachusetts and was selected to represent the state in the Miss America pageant. Why is this big news you might ask, because she is an MIT student...and member of the pistol team. Not only that, but of the 12 finalists, there was ANOTHER MIT student, Joanne Chang! And further more, in the entering class of 2008 is Miss Korea, who will be in the Miss Universe pageant! Who knew!?!?

Tail Between Legs (Temporarily): So, MM, I concede that your Yankees kinda sorta kicked our tushies last night. But tonight, I proclaim, we will be redeemed...I hope.

Red Sox return to the Bronx: As reported near and far, after taking six of seven games against the Bronx Bombers in April, the Red Sox and Derek Lowe renew their rivalry with the Yankees tonight. We gotta win! (sorry Maj. Moch)

Some Days I Love This Job: As a thank you to the faculty I have arranged to speak at alumni clubs this year, I have had special mugs created. I have been hand delivering them around campus for the last week or two. Although I would love to meet the professors face-to-face (since most of them have been arranged via email, or maybe phone) most professors are not in their office or have an assistant to whom I hand the mugs. Anyhow, so today I was delivering the last bunch. One of my stops at the office of Nobel Laureate Wolfgang Ketterle. As I approached his office, I saw that there was no receptionist and he was just sitting at his desk working. He smiled as I peered in the door and kindly accepted the thank you gift. I had a huge smile on my face as I walked away from his office. Next, maybe I can meet Noam Chomsky or Lester Thurow.

A Doctor in Our Midst: A belated, but HUGE, congrats to Dr. Shelby Hyvonen on completing her Psy.D. from The Wright Institute. As we say here is Boston, she is wicked smaaaat....not to mention an amazing woman. Mazel tov Shelb!

Weekend Recap: Overall is was a movie-filled, mixed-bag-of-baseball, lots-oh-sun-in-the-sky-when-no-rain, spontaneous, productive weekend. It began with a spontaneous outing with Lauren to get her hair cut, followed by nachos and margharittas, on Friday after work. On Saturday I watch most of the Red Sox game (killed!), and two movies, both of which I recommend-- Things You Know Just By Looking At Her and Dirty Pretty Things. I also went to Curves, went on a walk, and ran out for a little bit on Saturday night but was home early for an early bedtime. Sunday was BEAUTIFUL! I went on a nice walk, and sat at the field at Tufts for awhile. (Thanks to Mandydandy for stopping by to visit me and the shirtless men/ bikini clad women.) I watched most of the Red Sox game (won big!) before heading out to meet Lauren for ice cream at Toscanini's! (yummy Hydrox!) Aside form a little incident of a homeless woman defecating in the bushes near us, it was a great mini-date. I then headed to Harvard Square to see Supersize Me. I really liked it (no more chicken nuggets for me!) but had heard about almost every scene before going, after reading many articles and talking at length with several people who saw it before me. Still a great movie. Then home to bed. Is it the weekend yet?

Huh? I walked past an SUV with the following phrase kind of stenciled on the back window... I didn't quit...(I surrendered) Any ideas what that means? There was a Harley Davidson sticker too. Thoughts?

In Other MTV News: Thanks to Eva for bringing this article (and issue) to my attention. MTV is refusing to air commercials for Super Size Me, saying the ads are "disparaging to fast-food restaurants" Still haven't seen the movie, but, as always, doesn't stop me from being indignant.

Oxygen: After MIT Reunions I reported about the absolutely exciting satellite link from MIT alumnus Mike Fincke, who had to miss his reunion because he is *on the space station*. Now is seems he is making the nation news because he lost OXYGEN on his space walk.

"Celebrity" Sighting: I was on a walk by Emily/Mandy/Amy's house yesterday and walked past a woman and her friend, who were also on a walk. As I approached them, I thought, "I have hung out with this woman or know her form somewhere...But where?" I could picture her personality and hear her voice, but who was she???? None other than Irene from Real World Seattle! Further proof that the line between reality tv, and reality, is getting more and more confusing!

Another Fascinating Woman: The other speaker was Brenda Allen, the associate provost and director of institutional diversity at Brown. Not only was her talk absolutely intoxicating (I felt like I was back at Macalester) but our break out group discussion was wonderful, talking about how we can create diversity in alumni relations, while also fostering "specialized" options for ethnic, gender, etc groups. Such a rich conversation. Then, as dinner was kind of wrapping up, I got into a conversation with 3 other people about race, our upbringings, etc. We finally looked around the room at around 9:30 and realized we were the only people left in the room! Wonderful!