September 2009

I’ve been feeling a bit anxious lately. I’m trying to blame my feeling a little “out of it” on my allergies, or the Benadryl I’m taking for my allergies, or the lack of sleep due to a stuffy nose from allergies. In reality though I think it’s nerves and ignoring it probably is less likely to help than just owning up to it.

For my self-analysis I decided to determine if it is job search stress (and job interviews stress), joblessness stress, or just general “my life is not in my control” stress. I’m assuming it’s the latter because let’s face it I am and have always been somewhat of a control freak. It must be the Virgo in me I swear. Either that or the Diane Isenberg in me.

So I’ve decided I need a theme song. You know for when I’m feeling my heart flutter. I’m thinking something in the Broadway category. You know like Everything’s Alright from Jesus Christ Superstar or Go Go Go Joseph (of course conveniently substituting my name). Thoughts?

That’s right it’s Hug a Vegetarian Day 2009! I of course will usually give out hugs to everyone regardless of food choices but it is nice to see that the last Friday of September is a special day to say “thanks” to those who decide that vegetarianism is the life for them.

It’s funny because any time anyone finds out I’m a vegetarian (or at least for the most part since I recently started eating fish a few times here and there) the first reaction is generally “WHY?!?!” I get it. I’m in Texas now. I am pretty sure I only got that question maybe once or twice while living in San Francisco. I say it’s funny that is always people’s first reaction but it is only sometimes funny. Sometimes it is said in such a way that frankly … it’s a bit rude. I don’t consider myself someone who preaches about vegetarianism. In fact I rarely mention it at all. I always hope that my attitude is one that says to others “This is the choice I’ve made for myself but that I do not aim to try to make for you”.

I get it though – this isn’t quite always the attitude of people who choose to not eat meat at all or to not eat certain meats. There’s a lot of condescending from vegetarians. I mean in general that is basically PETA’s stance, which is why I prefer Wayne Pacelle from the Humane Society who basically says “hey consider vegetarianism or even consider just not having meat with every meal every day of the week”. I even am good with saying “hey consider choosing meat, eggs, and dairy that are humanely produced, fish that is wild caught instead of farm raised, etc.” But whatever you choose make sure it is something that you have thought through and make a decision you believe in. Isn’t that best for everything in life?

But enough of the soap box. Here’s to hugs and happy Fridays!

(picture via Constantine Graphics)

This friend in San Francisco used to always just say “Nerd nerd geek geek” whenever we would be at dinner and people would start talking in tech lingo. Kinda like “dirka dirka” on Team America. That may or may not be how this post is about to go.

I’ve been thinking lately about how incredibly lucky I am that my job, part time or otherwise, is so fantastic. I mean come on – I get to read blogs, play on Facebook, think about social media, talk about social media, and help encourage people to save lives. Most people have to sneak around at work to play on Facebook. I get PAID to do it. Plus we just launched our Blood Centers of the Pacific blog “Blood Drops” so now I have one more thing to be incredibly proud and excited about for work.

It isn’t just that I love Facebook or Twitter or blogs. I think what I love most is that I get to be part of figuring out and understanding how we as people communicate and how as technology is evolving we are doing that more and more in the online world. Every day I find something new to help me learn, organize or just laugh more. And more than that I get the chance to connect with people – who I know, once knew, or don’t know yet. It might be kinda nerdy but that is what is thrilling.

And the cute hamsters are good for a smile too.

No I can’t handle spicy foods. And I am not a Republican. And I don’t eat meat. BUT the one true way I can tell that I really am from Texas (apart from the yellow rose tattoo) is that NOTHING makes me happier than wearing jeans. Of course I’m not crazy enough to wear them in the heat of summer but thanks to the rain showers yesterday and a tad bit cooler weather it is day one of jean season again here in Houston. *sigh of relief*

Isn’t it funny how something as small as being able to wear your comfortable, favorite clothes can really make the day that much better? Ok and it is even better because upon putting on my jeans today I found $20 in the pocket. Oh to be back in San Francisco where I wore jeans every day and apparently was rich enough to leave money laying around in the pockets. Either that or I was too poor to be able to afford a wallet.

Happy second day of Fall. I’m wearing jeans. I’m burning pumpkin candles. I’m thinking that just maybe I’ll convince my mom to let me put out the Halloween decorations next week. Next thing you know it’ll be time to crank up the ol’ Christmas playlist on my iPod.

Did I say how much I love fall?

My mom has said a few times in our conversations in the past few days that as she has gotten older things have become less black and white. Black and white. It’s one of those interesting phrases that sometimes I try to wrap my head around only to find myself more confused than ever about what it really means.

I mean when you get down to it she’s right of course. Things are never black and white. There’s so many shades of gray that even that in and of itself gets confusing. I mean so few things are one way or the other – it is often unclear to know what is “right” versus what is “wrong” versus the more likely “it’s just my opinion”. But isn’t that the nice part? I mean things not being black or white – isn’t the gray where we can find or form our own opinions?

I am usually able to say that I know what works for me but who am I to tell others what works for them. It is what forms my opinion on so many political issues, religious issues, and just societal issues. But in knowing that things aren’t black and white does that mean that I am avoiding forming and sticking upon a belief? And if it is then is it because I am afraid that belief may only still be valid because nothing significant has occurred in my own life to change it?

I went for a run today and there was a *slight* breeze. You know what that means – fall is on the way. Ok really that probably just meant that a thunderstorm was on the way but I’m taking it how I can get it. Either way it is the last day of summer and that in and of itself is something to celebrate. Moving back to Texas at the beginning of one of the hottest summers in one of the hottest, muggiest states means I’ve been looking forward to fall since about a week after I arrived back home.

You know what else I’ve been looking forward to? Pumpkin. Spice. Latte. That’s right, it’s finally that time again at Starbucks. Unfortunately I am still jobless so spending $4 a day for the sweet sickness of latte love isn’t going to be a possibility. Thankfully though I found this awesome do-it yourself recipe online. Get out your Halloween mugs it’s time for pumpkin! Enjoy!

p.s. you can change the sugar and fat content of this recipe quite easily. I mean swimsuit season is over so who cares but just in case you have to fit into a sleek black bridesmaid dress come November …

Pumpkin Spice Latte
makes 1-2 servings

Ingredients:
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin OR 1 teaspoon of Torani Pumpkin Spice Syrup (your choice)
2 tablespoons sugar or sugar substitute – you can halve this amount
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1-2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.)

Directions:
In a saucepan combine milk, pumpkin and sugar and cook on medium heat, stirring, until steaming. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and spice, transfer to a blender and process for 15 seconds until foamy. If you don’t have a blender, don’t worry about it – just whisk the mixture really well with a wire whisk.

Pour into a large mug or two mugs. Add the espresso on top.

Optional: Top with whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or cinnamon on top.

Another Cloud Reel… from Delrious on Vimeo.

Dear San Francisco – this video makes me miss you.

How you gonna do me like that Kanye?