Giving Thanks
November 26th, 2003 § 0 comments § permalink
Our thanksgiving holidays are no more unusual than the rest of the families celebrating around an idyllic piece of poultry. Well, maybe aside from the fact that our Chinese culture creeps in here and there (shouldn't stir-fry always be a part of the meal?). Our clan consists of the mother, my sister, new brother-in-law, my uncle, aunt, and her mother, and my two cousins: Dana (9) and Ivan the Terrible (6). Then there is myself, who is usually the conductor of odd events each year, carefully manipulating the orchestration of too many side dishes in between bad ref calls and toddler tantrums.
As I look back, though, I was in a much different place last year. It was at my house. Actually, our home. Being the house-proud wife, the feast was set for my family and his. The x would make an appearance now and then between plays to steal an extra roll (such a carb whore). We didn't let up that it would be the last joint setting, for there was xmas to come and more family to gather, but I think there was a little doubt whether we'd ever make it again - or whether I would. Little did we know how different things would be. I no longer have a house, my xmas list was cut in half, and there are no more visitors from Boston. However, I no longer wait up nights to see if he'll come home on time (or if at all), or wait endlessly for affection that had been transferred to another. So, in the spirit of thanksgiving, it is THAT that I am thankful for.
In a few more words, I'd like to give a turkey day 'shout-out' to:
My mother: Despite your wacky-ness and my own suspicions of being adopted, you could always tell what I'm feeling by the look on my face. You have always been there for me when I need you, and boy did I hog you all to myself this year.
My father: I have become something of your shadow and spirit, realizing how much I am a part of you. You keep teaching me the invaluable lessons of life, and I am always reminded of how lucky I am to have had you in my life. I miss you.
My sister: J, the child bride, your gentle spirit and quiet smile makes me want to be a better sister, friend, and person.
My friends: IRL and online, thank you for your unending support and laughter through some of my lowest days.
My job: I cannot say how grateful I am to be able to work where I smile every day and reap the selfish reward of helping others. You all drive me crazy, and I love it.
My inimitable pup: Who will always love me because I am me, no matter how self-critical and self-doubting I am.
M: Who will tickle me until I cry, push my buttons, and always make fun of my drama.
C: Mmmm... so much trouble. Don't you dare stop.
Mmmm….
November 24th, 2003 § 0 comments § permalink
"Kissing you on the forehead goodnight . .."
Don't you just love that? I fear that I am smitten...
That Type of Boy
November 2nd, 2003 § 0 comments § permalink
We know there are boys who are cute, look fun, and you know you want them. What we don't know are how to say 'no' to that type of boy who fits any of the below characteristics:
*Doesn't call.
*Is super responsible at work. So responsible that you never see him. Ever.
*Goes 'out with the boys,' meaning getting trashed and calling you at 4 am to invite you and your girls over.
*You lend him money, but he never pays you back.
*Gets offended when you remind him he owes you.
*Doesn't pick you up because you live 'too far'.
*Says he read your online profile, but didn't.
*Is intrigued by the wit and intelligence, but gets pissed if you voice any opinion contradicting his own.
*Laughs at how much money you don't make.
*Decides that you need to dress differently.
*Forgets your birthday.
*Makes plans with you, then acts like you're insane when you yell at him for not calling.
*Says the 'L' word and doesn't mean it.
*Will talk endlessly about his life, job, friends, etc., but act bored when you mention something that happened for 2 seconds.
*Hates your friends.
*Thinks spending time with you equates to watching a football game with his buddies at the same time.
*Is bad in bed, but won't take constructive criticism.
*Can't pay his bills.
*Needs you to program his VCR.
*Is always late.
*Is too good to mow his own lawn.
*Cancels at the last minute, even though he had all day to call you.
*Says he'll 'get to it', but never does.
*Hates you for nagging him to 'get to it.'
*Is too lazy to break up with you, so he cheats and lets you find out.
100 93 Things About me
November 1st, 2003 § 0 comments § permalink
1. My mom is Chinese, and dad was from Detroit
2. I was born in Taiwan.
3. I have one sister. I am older.
4. I live in Orlando, FL, but am moving to Atlanta.
5. I just fell in love.
6. He's fantastic.
7. I have gone to school and received two degrees. I want a third, but am too lazy to do the paperwork.
8. I have a golden retriever named Sam.
9. Occupation: Educator
10. Ideal Occupation: Heiress, UNICEF ambassador, mother of 3, and sex kitten (a girl can have it all, can't she?)
11. I'm an outspoken introvert.
12. I have big feet.
13. I do not speak Chinese fluently, and I read and write in English. However, I think in Chinglish.
14. Favorite Animal: Dog (mine specifically).
15. Favorite Color: Blue.
16. Favorite Song: Beast of Burden -- the Rolling Stones
17. Favorite Movie: Too many, but includes Through a Glass Darkly, The Princess Bride, and anything from the 80's with John Cusack.
18. Favorite Bitchly Author: Dorothy Parker.
19. I cannot eat popcorn without spilling it all over myself.
20. I have a bad habit of taking off my shoes in restaurants.
21. Favorite pizza toppings: spinach and bacon.
22. Addicted to Origins Night-a-Mins moisturizer (it smells like a creamsicle).
23. Favorite show(s) of all time: Tenacious D, House of Blues, Orlando; Archers of Loaf, the Edge, Orlando, FL; Fugazi, the Edge, Orlando; Superchunk, Florida Theater, Gainesville, FL
24. I am sad... a lot. Not about anything specific, but sometimes my heart breaks for the world and I can't help it.
25. Small things like the crazy look in my dog's eyes or the sound when the wind blows make me happy.
26. My name is Lori with an "i". Therefore, all my children will be named classical and 3+ syllable names such as Margaret, Elizabeth, and Alexander.
27. I am a Virgo, but I have feelings (just compartmentalized and filed according to the alphabet and subject matter).
28. Love food. Love, love, love, love it.
29. I type while sitting cross-legged.
30. I'm a Democrat.
31. I have freckles. Lots of them, but only on my face.
32. I'm a 34B (I know you wanted to ask).
33. I dream in sepia.
34. I love my job.
35. I fall in love often.
36. I often fall in love with the wrong people.
37. I hate tomatoes.
38. I'm a Unitarian Universalist.
39. I used to have Sea Monkeys.
40. They all died.
41. I love cafeterias.
42. I have never been to the midwest.
43. I hate working out.
44. I had a lot of cavities when I was little.
45. I use a Sonicare now.
46. I'm on the pill.
47. I love broccoli.
48. I wrote my master's thesis on Degenerate Art of the Third Reich.
49. I'm very sensitive. Really.
50. I'm extremely cynical.
51. I'm a sucker for romance.
52. I daydream a lot.
53. I will not leave my office until my desk is clear.
54. I'm not a morning person.
55. I love to bake.
56. You will love my cooking.
57. My toenails are always painted.
58. My fingernails are rarely painted.
59. I have extremely high expectations of myself and others.
60. I am frequently let down by those expecations.
61. I need new furniture.
62. I'm right-handed.
63. I play golf.
64. I love board games.
65. I don't think it's ever too early to drink.
66. I'm impatient.
67. I still have my tonsils.
68. Alligators fascinate me.
69. I met Vern.
70. I have jumped off a cliff into the sea while naked in Maui.
71. I love diet soda.
72. I don't like to fly, but do it anyway.
73. I am in debt.
74. But I just paid off two credit cards.
75. I have a treatable condition.
76. I 