The Outer Banks

So I was talking to my running partner this morning, and he told me that he's heading down to North Carolina for the long weekend.

Ah, shopping for some furniture? says I.

No, heading to the Outer Banks. Why does everyone keep asking me about furniture? says he.

Then, at lunch, told this story to a co-worker, and she too did not get the furniture reference.

Looks like that lovely state is having a bit of a PR problem regarding one of its, um, High Points (hee). Or maybe it just speaks to the sad state of manufacturing industries in general in these modern times. Anyway, if you want to check out some great deals on fine-crafted furnishings this weekend, American's got a $99 last-minute fare from JFK to Raleigh/Durham this weekend.

Don't you love the way everything just comes together sometimes?

You may take baby steps, but your body doesn't

Babies will grow an inch overnight.

The bachelor has been going to the gym for months, and suddenly dropped 20 pounds.

I've been doing this training program since May. Suddenly this week, my thighs are hard, I'm doing three-mile runs with very few walking breaks, and this morning, I found my stride. Tight, efficient, no wasted effort -- it hardly felt like running at all. Now that I think I understand how to rest without breaking stride, I may run the whole way when we do the full loop of the park on Sunday!

And if I can drop 20 pounds by the end of the summer, I promise I'll start wearing those tiny bikinis again.

Get Thee to Kettle of Fish

...on Wednesday and see the lovely Sars read something.

Or maybe not. The last time I was supposed to atend an event with Sars, bad things happened.

Why I need to stop working in New Jersey really soon

Reason #287. (Mind you, I know some very nice guys from NJ, including the Bachelor. But still, please save me.)

Sunburned, sore, smelly and snarly

Yesterday I ran 3 miles in that 90-degree heat, then laid out in the park (perhaps a bit too long). Today I went to the gym on my way in to work, and wow does Manhattan smell bad on a summer morning after a parade weekend. Then for some reason, my hair, which you'd ordinarily have to bribe to get it to tangle, got all snarled up in knots as I tried to blow-dry it in the non-air-conditioned locker room.

I know I owe you all an update. I promise there will be more, but first I have to finish up my application to the AP.

About that creepy thing you don't want to think about....

Scroll down to the blind item labelled "Some engaging tidbits." And sadly, she might not even have been his first choice.

just because you're hiding in the woods...

... doesn't mean you don't wanna know what time it is, Sask Watch!

It's almost 4:00

Let's all hope we never meet a woman like this one.

When they ask me to choose, I will choose Hermes

God, I can't stand Oprah Winfrey. Have you heard about this latest Hermes incident? She shows up at a store after they've closed, and is indignant that they don't let her, and her entourage in. First of all, anyone who comes with an entourage, which is offensive in and of itself, should never be let in anywhere. Crowd control and all.

THEN, this self-admitted former crack user claims that THIS was "one of the most humiliating moments of her life."

This arrogant, self-important woman tries to "heal America" and is treated like some sort of spiritual lifestyle guide by millions of stupid housewives! I can't stand how much attention this woman commands in our society. They follow her like sheep. And now she is refusing to shop at Hermes anymore, and is planning to do an entire SHOW about this "incident," so of course this will negatively affect their sales to her followers. She's like a cult leader, and I think it's evil.

I think I need to go out and buy a Birkin bag (as Oprah just cancelled her latest order), or maybe a scarf, at least.

not really at all about Bloomsday...

...nor bondage, nor even Heinekin.

We're all media whores

Okay, I can't help how much I love the Gawker, I'll admit it. So if the move to Manhattan is successful, will I be on here as well? Right now, the office in Journal Square doesn't make the cut.

entertained by food

I say the mini-egg looks like a smurf; what do you think?

For any of you who don't read Gawker...

...or MediaBistro (I may be the only one among my readership!), this Billy Joel tribute is pretty funny.

Cool as a...

I am willing to reconsider my dislike of cucumbers in the interest of margarita research. Who's in?

Easy knitting pattern

Something you could make for the cold winter months. Enjoy!

maggie vitello?

I keep getting hits over the past two days from google searches for Maggie Vitello. The web is a funny place....

I know I'm overdue

I know, I've been promising everyone a full update, since all I've been telling you lately in person is "it's bad." But it's so bad I really don't have time right now.

Short form:
1. Grandmother dying. Grandfather doing marginally better. Setting up hospice care; not sure when we're going to Chicago.
2. Work is hell. Here until 9 pm last night, and still can't dig out.
3. While I'm working on the highest profile project at the company, and the eyes of the owners and every major player in the brass are watching my *every* move, and I'm angling for a promotion -- this is an excellent time to be having a family crisis. Really.
4. Well, at least I'm not pregnant.

More soon, promise. Love you all; you've been so great.

in the manner of...

I think I need this book. Lord knows I've been rather vocal about the lapses of others lately; I probably should make sure I'm up to snuff before I say much more.

whiskey

It occurs to me that Thursday is ....

Bloomsday!

Last year I was in Dublin, and this year I might be in Chicago (things just took a turn for the worse, grandmother-wise). But if I'm here, I need a plan. Anyone have any suggestions for how to celebrate dear Poldy and Jimmy?

Also, what better day to drink whiskey? Are you listening, Irishman?

a hot dilemma of operatic proportions

So, it's like 95 degrees in the shade out there. Tonight, the Met is putting on a free performance of Puccini's Tosca in Central Park. I love opera under the stars, but Central Park is a big heat vat.

Does anyone want to check it out with me? If so, comment or e-mail. If not, I'll have to find some air conditioned recreation.