toastier.org

Lists, part 33

2010-02-27T15:20:07Z

- Blizzard
- CoverSpy
- Real-life superhero
- How genetics works
- Hipster Wife Hunting
- The Real Timothy McSweeney

(Previously: Lists, part 32)

On social networking

2010-02-26T01:05:10Z

A few weeks ago, the topic of social networking came up (Facebook and Twitter, in particular) among some work colleagues. I was walking by and stopped to say hello to some people and got caught up in it. Someone said, "It's for people who want to feel connected to a world they are not connected in." And for whatever reason, I found that so interesting. Because social networking is sort of seen as a plus: you stay connected, you can keep up with friends and family and so on. But at the same time, you're alienating yourself from the people in your real life. Right? You're staying connected in front of a screen, not with another face. As the work colleague continued, "This is a community (points to everyone around), not sending a status update on what you're eating to however many hundreds of people you 'know'." That was met with a chorus of laughter.

Through the years, I've become indifferent to social networking. I know something like Facebook has become a necessity in life, and I'm not sure if that's scary or if that's okay. I understand it helps you keep in touch with people, especially the ones you don't consistently talk to but still want to know. And I dig that, I do. But if you don't participate in status updates or sharing things or whatever that's in now, people "forget" you. I personally still treat Facebook like it was way back in the day, pre-news feed, pre-status updates, pre-all that stuff. So essentially, I just exist. People find me, that's cool. A random hello from time-to-time, great. And in that sense, I guess I'm bucking the norms of social networking--you have to be active and participate. Much like in real life, to meet people and make friends, you have to go out and do the whole meet-and-greet.

But you can look at me and say, "Amy, you blog." Well, yes, that's true. I write online and somehow people read what I write and there's feedback (can I just say, after all these years, this still amazes me to this very day? People actually read what I write? What?). But you see, blogging wasn't always social networking. It was just... writing online. An online journal. And I still treat it that way. I'm not against making it into a community because it's actually kind of great and we are a community. We "meet" each other and sometimes actually do meet each other. And in that sense, it is sort of like Facebook, minus some details. But I don't know, this thing of writing online--it just feels different from most kinds of social networking. I can't quite explain why.

Sometimes I think social networking makes email and phone calls obsolete. It's like email is the new handwritten letter and phone calls are some strange creature from the unknown (what is this noise? A human voice?!). I guess I'm just old school with how I keep in touch with people. I like writing and reading emails, I have come to love phone calls (well, Skype calls at least), and I like getting an old-fashioned letter in the mail! Anyway, I had a point to all of this, but I forget now. It was something along the lines of unplug yourself now and then, because all this connectivity can leave you more alone than you think. Something like that. Now if you excuse me, I'm off to publish this entry, update Flickr, check Tumblr and...

Match

2010-02-21T23:50:57Z

It was near the end of my work day on Friday when my desk phone rang. I answered and heard a brief pause before a man spoke:

"Hi... this is going to be... embarrassing, but are you... Amy?"

"Yeah, this is Amy."

"Okay... I, well, are you on Match.com by any chance?"

"Uh, no, I'm not..."

Quickly realizing what the situation was, I began to enjoy this man's awkwardness immensely. These are my favorite kinds of awkward, in which I'm not directly involved nor the cause of the awkwardness. I'm just this innocent bystander who, by chance, stumbled upon something awkwardly wonderful.

"Okay, then this is REALLY embarrassing then. And your name is Amy, right?"

"Yes. Who are you?"

"Steve. Amy, can I ask how old you are?"

I say my age and he replies, "Oh, you're a little too young for me..." Creepy? Not creepy? The reaction in my head was, "HMMM..." He continued on, as if he had gone so far into the unknown, there was no turning back. The embarrassment and awkwardness was beyond him.

"And you're not on Match or JDate?"

"No, I'm definitely not on those sites."

"And this is (says my work number)?"

"Yeah... that's so weird. I mean, sometimes people use my line to make calls. Maybe someone left you a message from my line..."

"I don't think so... and below it says... 'natural beauty'..."

At this point, I'm incredibly amused and incredibly baffled. Clearly, no one left him a message or a text message (I asked). He had all this information in front of him.

"I'm sorry, I wish I could help you find the right person. Do you have any other information?"

"No. You must be bored at work if you're humoring me! (laughs nervously)"

Well, it was near the end of my work day and true, I had nothing better to do. But a large part of me wanted to figure this out and also, I like helping people find their potential other halves. It's all about the love, my friends.

"Yeah (laughs). Well, I hope you find her! I'm sorry, she's not me."

"Well, thanks for helping. And, um, have a great weekend!"

"Thanks, you too!"

I hung up the phone and burst out laughing. I've had my fair share of strange and bizarre phone calls, but this is probably my favorite. This has never happened to me before! I sat at my desk for a few minutes, thinking of two logical explanations: 1) one of my coworkers made a profile with my work info on Match.com for kicks or 2) a few years ago my work number used to be a residential number for another Amy. Otherwise, I'm baffled. But more amused than anything!

On peeing etiquette

2010-02-19T03:05:22Z

So I walked into the restroom, opened the next available stall... and found pee all over the toilet seat.

Ladies, I do not care what position you pee in, but if you pee all over the seat (all. over. it.), SEE IT and proceed NOT to clean it off, we will have words. And let me save you the suspense: I WILL WIN THIS ARGUMENT. And if things get ugly, let me save you the suspense again: I WILL WIN THIS DUEL.

Yosef

2010-02-16T04:11:28Z

"What's your name?"

"Amy. And your name?"

"Yosef. Nice to meet you, Amy."

"Nice to meet you, Yosef."

I meet a lot of interesting people during my job. (Have I ever told you what my job is? Think Devil Wears Prada, minus the over-the-top boss. I run around doing random things, which range from being hectic and tense to calm and easy with a lot of hilarity mixed in.) Today I met Yosef. He was born in Ethiopia and grew up in Israel. When I asked where he was from, and he said Israel, my immediate reaction was a surprised, "Really??" He laughed and said, "Yes, really?? I'm interesting, eh?" He moved to Israel when he was young, and at 18, he began service in the Israeli army for three years. I asked if this was still required now, and he said, "Yes, of course!" He said Israel needs it because "she's always hurting." I liked how he called his country "she." Afterwards, he was a bodyguard and then he finally left and came to America at the age of 23. He said, "Well, I'm 52 now..." I burst out laughing. "Why you laughing?" I said, "You don't look 52, Yosef." He chuckled and said, "Nah, I'm 41. And I've lived a good life."

We talked about running (he used to get up at 5AM to run everday), and when I said I liked playing sports, hiking and things like that, he said jokingly, "But you are a woman!!" Somewhere in between, he asked about my husband and I went, "WHOAAA, I am not married." Then I couldn't stop laughing because no one ever thinks I'm married; I always get the what high school do you go to question! Yosef was confused by my reaction and once I gathered myself together, I explained to him why. In turn, he burst out laughing for a good while. "I'm very flattered that you think I'm married." Then he prodded, "Boyfriend?" I paused and shook my head. He said, "They missing out, they missing out." I smiled and shook my head even more.

At the end of our time together, I said, "It was wonderful meeting you, Yosef." He took my hand and said with a smile, "A pleasure, Ms. Amy."

52 weeks later

2010-02-14T14:41:35Z

The last post of an ocean apart is up! Jasmin and I have gone through one year together of taking photos weekly, and I must say, it is quite the accomplishment. Even though it took me two weeks to get the last post together, we were generally pretty good about keeping each other going. And I will admit, I went through a pretty rough patch with some photos.

I really did enjoy doing this little project; it made me pick up my camera more often and challenge myself on interpreting what something meant. I'm also still very much flattered that Jasmin asked me to do this with her. Her photography really is beautiful, and I admire her very much. Well, the only thing left to do is to meet her in person. So, Jasmin, I think a trip to Australia is in the future for me!

Some goals, part 1

2010-02-09T02:00:02Z

The other night, I started making a list of things I want to do. Or, more specifically, a list of physically challenging and adventurous things I want to do. I was recently inspired, once again, by very old friends (now acquaintances through time) to just... do it. I say "once again" because I go through these phases, where I'm all gung-ho and ready to leap. But then I get sidetracked and things get in the way (re: life) and I lose that spark, that fiery passion. So off the top of my head, I came up with this list in no particular order:

Summit Mount Kilimanjaro
Thru-hike the Appalachian Trail
Summit Mount Washington
Bike across the US
Hike around the Himalayas
Drive down Cal State Route 1 (Seattle to San Diego)
Drive across the US
Travel Che Guevara's Motorcycle Diaries
Explore Western China (inspired by and an ode to Raul)
Run a marathon

I sat with this list for a few moments, quite pleased with its contents. Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro has been one of my long-standing goals in life. I don't know when or how this came to me, but somewhere along the way, I became transfixed with climbing this mountain. I actually met a girl in college who summited it, and I was in awe. She had done what I've always wanted to do, and I marveled at her passion and felt inspired from head to toe. I really want to do this. And when I mean run a marathon, I really mean walk-jog-run because just finishing a marathon is quite something. So after sitting with this list for a few moments, I began to think about which of these could really happen in my near future. I narrowed it down to the following:

Summit Mount Washington
Drive down Cal State Route 1 (Seattle to San Diego)
Bike across the US
Drive across the US

Summiting Mount Washington (the highest point in the Northeastern US) seems like the most probable since it's in nearby New Hampshire, and I'm pretty sure I can rope in a few friends to come with me. I'm already imagining hiking through some crazy weather and a few days filled with laughter and good times. What I like about hiking is you get to meet fellow hikers along the way, and there's an immediate bond because you're all there trying to reach the same point. Everyone has their own story, and I really like learning about people--I guess that's the anthropologist in me. Plus, summiting Mount Washington would be good climbing experience pre-Kilimanjaro! Anyway, in the near future, I think I might also have time to drive down (or up?) Route 1, or bike/drive across the country. I would prefer to bike across the country, to see America and its beauty... having things to look forward to is a good thing.

Do you have any adventurous goals?

Something new

2010-02-07T05:23:01Z

So I decided to spruce things up around toastier.org. I finally added to my about page, and hey now, there might be a photo of me there... from very far away. (Fun fact: this is the first time I've posted a photo of myself that isn't of my feet or hands.) Also, I've featured another set of lyrics from a song for the titles of my pages. In the past I have done "Into the Mystic" by Van Morrison and "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" by Bruce Springsteen. Anyway, I hope you like this!

In other news, Carrot Top is still frightening.

Lists, part 32

2010-01-30T01:55:24Z

- Unhappy Hipsters
- First-Person Tetris
- People I love, part 1
- The 2009 Feltron Annual Report
- You Dropped Food on the Floor. Do You Eat It?
- The Celebrated Miscellany of Mr. Simon Collison

(Previously: Lists, part 31)

J.D. Salinger

2010-01-29T02:57:59Z

J. D. Salinger, Literary Recluse, Dies at 91

"Among other things, you'll find that you're not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior. You're by no means alone on that score, you'll be excited and stimulated to know. Many, many men have been just as troubled morally and spiritually as you are right now. Happily, some of them kept records of their troubles. You'll learn from them--if you want to. Just as someday, if you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you. It's a beautiful reciprocal arrangement. And it isn't education. It's history. It's poetry."
—The Catcher in the Rye

"Do you know what I was smiling at? You wrote down that you were a writer by profession. It sounded to me like the loveliest euphemism I had ever heard. When was writing ever your profession? It's never been anything but your religion."
—Seymour: An Introduction

"The connection was so bad, and I couldn't talk at all during most of the call. How terrible it is when you say I love you and the person at the other end shouts back 'What?'"
—Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters

"You're lucky if you get time to sneeze in this goddam phenomenal world."
—Franny and Zooey

Staying or going

2010-01-27T12:09:14Z

(bigger)

Growing up, I was told to be two things: strong and independent. A few years ago, I almost planned my life around someone. It wasn't until after the fact I told myself that isn't me and to never do that again. And I began to think, well, never is a strong word. If I were older and circumstances were different (say, if I were engaged or married), would my choice be different? Would I base my life around another person? And then I began think, is there a point when you "stop" pursuing your goals to settle? Or do you somehow keep pursuing them with another person in your life (even if, geographically, it's not where you want to be)?

My entire life, the closest people I've known have always (physically) moved away from me. From childhood to middle school to high school to college. I don't know if it's me or if it's just the way of things. Probably the latter, but sometimes I think the universe is trying to tell me something. But it has made me emotionally closed off on that front. Saying goodbye is easy, and I don't honestly miss very many people. I'm numb. And I guess these experiences have tainted my views on things (and probably messed with me because I rarely let people know me). It's just... it's so interesting how when you're younger, these questions are easy to answer. But once you grow older, they become very difficult what with the entanglements of relationships (friends, family or significant others). You choose one path, everyone will tell you you're grown up. You choose the other, everyone will tell you to grow up and stop being a child.

At this point in my life, I'm more prone to leave and do what I want to do. And if that's the one selfish thing I do in life, then okay.

Colin

2010-01-25T03:36:51Z

I was flipping through the channels over the weekend, looking for something to leave me happy before falling asleep. I found 13 Going on 30 and settled in for some laughs, smiles and a few tears. Gosh, that one part near the end still gets me (you should know I'm a total sucker for romantic comedies--I'm such a cheeseball).

Anyway, after the credits started rolling, I began to think about my childhood best friend. (I actually had two best friends when I was in elementary school, but the other I grew closer to after the first moved away.) His name was Colin, and he was my first best friend. He had this curly dirty-blond hair, blue eyes, and a smile I loved. Thinking about him now, three fond memories come to mind.

Second grade was our closest year and, I'll always remember the day he walked into class dressed in black. I went to him asked why he was dressed in black, and he held out a newspaper clipping. His dad had died of a massive heart attack. This was my first time dealing with death. I mean, my grandfather passed away when I was about three years old, but I don't remember that at all. So as a seven year old, hearing the words "heart attack" and "dead" were enough to render me speechless--what was I supposed to say? I looked at him, handed back the article, and gave him a hug. He rested his face on my shoulder. I didn't say anything at all.

We always sat together at lunch. Remember those long cafeteria tables? With the benches and tables that were connected? Everyone would squeeze in together, trays end-to-end on the tables. There was one day when I couldn't find him, and he raised his hand from this table full of guys. I mean, this table was packed to the brim with guys. I didn't think much of it because I just wanted to sit with my best friend and have a good lunch. So I happily walked over and squeezed myself in next to him. We were deep in conversation when the lunch lady walked over and asked me, "Why are sitting there?" Colin looked up at the lunch lady and said over the noise, "She's my friend!" I remember looking at him briefly and seeing how he stood up for my being there and feeling... happy. After a pause, I joined him and said, "Yeah! I'm his friend!" to the lunch lady. She kind of rolled her eyes and walked away.

It was our last lunch before he moved away. We were in fourth grade. During and after third grade, things became a little different. We were growing, and he was hanging out more with the guys and less with me. I started becoming closer with my other friend, Kyle, as well. But we had one last lunch together. We chose the lunch table near the back. It was empty, but we didn't talk much. He rolled up his brown bag and we hit it back and forth on the table, like a hockey puck. I think there was an apple in there. I said I'd miss him, and I wanted to do a spit pact where each person spits in their own hands and then shakes. I can't remember if we actually did. But I remember asking if he'd keep in touch, and he said yes.

I haven't heard from him since then. When he moved away, he moved away. I think it was only to another part of town, but to me, that was like across the country. He isn't in the yearbook since he moved before finishing fifth grade. All I have left are these class photos, with that smile that I love. I've tried looking for him, but I know his mother remarried while we were in third grade (I think) and I can't remember the new last name. But I'd like to think that he's doing well, that his life is good, and that he thinks about his childhood days from time to time and thinks of this girl that he knew.

Conan, always.

2010-01-23T16:11:33Z

My favorite and classiest man on late night television. Be cool, my babies.

Lunch at Google

2010-01-21T01:05:19Z

Every day, my one hour lunch "break" consists of unpacking my packed lunch, sitting in my cubicle, and eating while working. When it's not so busy, I read the news and check my email or goof off with my co-worker who almost always has something entertaining to show or tell me.

But today was different! I met up with my good friend Special-K, who works at Google NYC, and yes kiddos, Amy had lunch at Google today. And I was in awe. The whole time. As she showed me around, I looked everywhere with this child-like wonder, taking in all the details (maps! toys! people in jeans! legos! posters! bright colors!). At one point, Special-K handed me a scooter—she took one as well—and we scootered off. I scootered around in an office. Why can't my job be more like this?

There were just so many people, something I'm not used. Where I work, everyone's always busy and hunkered down in their own cubicles, but over there—man! I could feel the good vibes and energy. The cafeteria was packed, and I was admittedly overwhelmed. I managed to get a hold of myself and actually get food. And the food is really good, like what most people have said. My stomach was happy.

On my subway ride back to reality, I was in a daze. It was like I escaped into this alternate work world... I want to go there.

On Wikipedia plot summaries

2010-01-20T01:35:35Z

You know when you read about films on Wikipedia, and as you read, you realize the plot summary is really everything that happens in the film and by that point you go, "Oh no!" and then you remind yourself never to do that again but yet you do because you think somehow it's going to be different the next time?

They should really put up spoiler alerts.