SpaceBook
SpaceBook is my pet name for the collective breed of social networking sites. Sort of a MySpace marries Facebook and it’s all the same thing, different color. As a genre, SpaceBook is taking a deep stab at the integrity of our human social interactions, redefining the way we communicate and consequentially forcing us to create and abide by new standards in social etiquette. We interact … Continue reading SpaceBook
When I Travel
When I travel, I am often fulfilling both a lifetime wanderlust and an attempt to understand human interactions. I wander around a new locale, often without a specific destination in mind – driven by merely an inclination, a small or a scenic vista. When you walk/explore the streets of a city or the back roads of a small town, you can truly experience life there. … Continue reading When I Travel
PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN
So we never forget what it means to be an American. Proof that we finally practice what we preach. America, I salute you. Continue reading PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN
You Say Grandpa, I Say Deda
I was born with two grandmothers but only one grandfather. In nature’s rules of familial supply and demand, my Deda (Russian for grandpa) is a priceless asset; a family value very much treasured. While my relationship with Deda has spanned the course of three decades, our one-on-one interaction has always been slightly superficial. It seems that in retrospect most of our bonding has been when … Continue reading You Say Grandpa, I Say Deda
For Andrew
Dear Andrew, I saw this and thought of you. Turn the volume up and watch her crash into the pole. xo,G. Continue reading For Andrew
My son, the Digital Sand Artist
He liked. He created. Mount Everest by Jacob Dylan, age 6. Continue reading My son, the Digital Sand Artist
My Russian American Dichotomy
I was a Russian girl and an American teenager. I had no choice about the first but I tried very hard to be the second. Now as a grown woman, I mostly deem myself a New Yorker. While I never truly considered myself an American, being a New Yorker encompasses more. New York has a special tolerance for Russians. My immigrant story begins when I … Continue reading My Russian American Dichotomy
It’s National Grouch Day
A Grouch’s mission in life is to be as miserable and grouchy as possible, and pass that feeling on to everyone else. Only then will a Grouch feel in touch with his or her world and be happy. Yet, even though a Grouch may show happiness at anyone’s misfortune (including his or her own), a Grouch would never admit to being happy. Such is the … Continue reading It’s National Grouch Day
Hearts by Reena
Thank you Reena – for finding the hearts. Continue reading Hearts by Reena
Mothering
I had many expectations and fears before I had a child. I was afraid of health issues. I was afraid that he wouldn’t be cute. I was afraid I wouldn’t love him enough. None of those fears came to fruition. Instead my body and mind became overwrought with how to feed and put this baby to sleep. Babies are about feeding and sleeping and somehow … Continue reading Mothering
Master Your Fear
Anthony Robbins speaks about staying positive in tough times this morning on the Today Show. I think this is a really good way of looking at life right now. Sending positive energy out into the world. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/27159902#27159902 Continue reading Master Your Fear
My sister tastes a raw acorn in Central Park
Starring Reena in a self-induced flavor exploration experiment. If it’s good enough for the squirrels, it’s good enough for the Russians. Supporting characters include my father, my son and my half brother. Continue reading My sister tastes a raw acorn in Central Park
Pregnancy Scare
Today is Friday and your period was due on Monday. Here you are again – a pregnancy scare, guaranteed to be a sobering moment for any couple in love. Dating sure is hard in the grown up world. Too early to confirm or deny the suspicion, you wait a few more days before you fork over the ten bucks and pee on the stick. You … Continue reading Pregnancy Scare
Happy Virus Appreciation Day!
Only in America. October 3rd is Virus Appreciation Day. Read about it here. Continue reading Happy Virus Appreciation Day!
Happy Birthday Charlie Brown and Snoopy too!
HAPPY 58!!! Learn all about these greats at http://www.snoopy.com. Continue reading Happy Birthday Charlie Brown and Snoopy too!
Amazing Race: and They’re Off …
What the country needs is more AMAZING RACE! Yesterday the new season kicked off in Los Angeles and the first stop was Salvador, Brasil. Upon arrival they were instructed to go to O Rei Do Pernil, where they had a “Barista Challenge” waiting for them. The challenge had the couples wheeling an unwieldy local vending cart overflowing with boxes of candy and such through the … Continue reading Amazing Race: and They’re Off …
Awaiting November Promises
I exist crippled in a state of fear, awaiting the outcome of the November election. Our nation is sitting on a weakened foundation where its people are hurt and broken. In a time when we need to come together to heal and strengthen, we seem to have divided. We co-exist as patriots of this vast magnificent country and yet we have never been a country … Continue reading Awaiting November Promises
With His Own Two Hands
He’s my legacy, my heart and the truest love I will ever know. Yesterday I went to First Grade Faculty Night at my son’s school. They told us about the curriculum, showed us some of their work so far, and had a slideshow of the first three weeks of school. Jake has the quintessential first grade teacher; as wonderful as I could have imagined. Here … Continue reading With His Own Two Hands
Central Park – Featuring Flowers, A Raccoon and David Blaine
I went for an early autumn walk in Central Park and inhaled in all of New York’s splendor. Across the Reservoir in Central Park. Flowers behind the fence. A closer look. The Great Lawn. Duh. My favorite lounging place – near Belvedere Castle. Turtle Pond with a sea of floating moss. Raccoon in Central Park. I kept my distance (that’s why the photo is blurry). … Continue reading Central Park – Featuring Flowers, A Raccoon and David Blaine
It’s Back!
The best show on TV is coming back — Amazing Race is back on Sunday! Here’s a peak at the contestants. http://www.cbs.com/thunder/swf30can10/rcpHolderCbs-3-4×3.swfWatch CBS Videos Online Continue reading It’s Back!
Joshua RADIN
On Monday I made a post about the Emmy’s and accidentally referred to Joshua Groban as Joshua Radin. I’m sorry to Joshua Groban, but I fixed it in the post.Joshua Radin is awesome. He most recently sang his song,Today, at Ellen and Portia’s wedding. Prior to that it was featured in Scrubs and Garden State. Here’s a listen. Continue reading Joshua RADIN
I Heart Joshua Groban @ the Emmys
Aside from this clip: Joshua Groban’s performance was the best part of the Emmy’s on Sunday night: However, I thought he missed a few goodies. Family Tieshttp://www.gmodules.com/ig/ifr?url=http://mike.s.duffy.googlepages.com/mp3player.xml&up_songURL=http%3A%2F%2Fboxstr.com%2Ffiles%2F3630399_nx7ra%2FFamily%2520Ties.mp3&synd=open&w=320&h=50&title=MP3+Player&border=%23ffffff%7C3px%2C1px+solid+%23999999&output=js Growing Painshttp://media.imeem.com/m/ml2Byrl7NS/aus=false/ Laverne and Shirleyhttp://www.gmodules.com/ig/ifr?url=http://mike.s.duffy.googlepages.com/mp3player.xml&up_songURL=http%3A%2F%2Fboxstr.com%2Ffiles%2F3630426_nkpra%2FLaverne%2520and%2520Shirley.MP3&synd=open&w=320&h=50&title=MP3+Player&border=%23ffffff%7C3px%2C1px+solid+%23999999&output=js Continue reading I Heart Joshua Groban @ the Emmys
I Can’t Get Them Out of My Head …
I’ve always struggled with getting a song stuck in your head. When you have a six-year-old, sometimes the songs that bounce around the noggin aren’t always what you would have picked. Here is what’s plaguing my head right now: http://media.imeem.com/m/PJgsjQHLyb/aus=false/ http://www.gmodules.com/ig/ifr?url=http://mike.s.duffy.googlepages.com/mp3player.xml&up_songURL=http%3A%2F%2Fboxstr.com%2Ffiles%2F3630169_fte6x%2F01%2520Imagination%2520Movers%2520Theme%2520Song.mp3&synd=open&w=320&h=50&title=MP3+Player&border=%23ffffff%7C3px%2C1px+solid+%23999999&output=js http://www.gmodules.com/ig/ifr?url=http://mike.s.duffy.googlepages.com/mp3player.xml&up_songURL=http%3A%2F%2Fboxstr.com%2Ffiles%2F3630203_k3yfs%2FMickey%2520Mouse%2520Club%2520House%2520Hot%2520Dog%2520Song.mp3&synd=open&w=320&h=50&title=MP3+Player&border=%23ffffff%7C3px%2C1px+solid+%23999999&output=js Continue reading I Can’t Get Them Out of My Head …
Spiderman. In the Tree. In the Park.
The last day of summer and we hung out in the tree in the park. Continue reading Spiderman. In the Tree. In the Park.
Plastic Celebrities courtesy of LEGO
TOYTASTIC brand is celebrating 30 years of its famous mini figures and to mark the occasion the company has given a string of stars a plastic makeover. Those chosen to be immortalized in building bricks include The Beckhams (complete with Posh’s trademark over-sized sunnies and David’s stubble), a tattoo-covered Amy Winehouse and Madonna. Hotties Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie also got the treatment – each … Continue reading Plastic Celebrities courtesy of LEGO
I Heart the New York Times Magazine
Speaking My Unspoken Thank Yous
“SURGERY,” I had written in bold red letters on the calendar square for January 30, 2008. I scheduled my thyroid surgery for early in the year thinking I would supply the remaining 11 months with healing ammunition. Eight is my favorite number and this was going to be MY YEAR. At that point, I couldn’t see the flaws in my logic anymore than I could … Continue reading Speaking My Unspoken Thank Yous
I heart a photobooth in NYC.
Gallery Bar, New York City. The photo quality from this photobooth was top notch; you get a 4×6 with 6 different poses. Continue reading I heart a photobooth in NYC.
Oh how quickly the days go by …
I’ve been a self-proclaimed sleep Nazi from the time my son was a month old. I am very attached to our traditional bedtime routine – a bath, a book, and THE goodnight song. http://www.gmodules.com/ig/ifr?url=http://mike.s.duffy.googlepages.com/mp3player.xml&up_songURL=http%3A%2F%2Fboxstr.com%2Ffiles%2F3567832_pavzc%2FBeautiful%2520Boy.mp3&synd=open&w=300&h=57&title=MP3+Player&border=%23ffffff%7C3px%2C1px+solid+%23999999&output=js I never thought he’d want to change the song that has been his lullaby for the last six years. But alas, after six years, my son asked for a new song. … Continue reading Oh how quickly the days go by …
My Body Through My Eyes
Last month I turned 34 and vowed to be a little kinder to my body. I want to give it more respect, to stop judging it so harshly, to discontinue defining it by society’s standards. I resolve to love my body for what it is, rather than continue to hate it for what it will never be. I’ve got a mane of thick curly hair, … Continue reading My Body Through My Eyes
Charlie Gibson interviews Sarah Palin: The Meeting Poetry
I’m not into politics. For one thing, I just don’t connect entirely with either party’s black and white views. For another thing, I just don’t entirely trust our government. Blame one too many Matt Damon Hollywood blockbusters, but I think there are just too many conspiracies out there for none of them to be true. But mostly I’m not into politics — because despite all … Continue reading Charlie Gibson interviews Sarah Palin: The Meeting Poetry
Love Lockdown
I hearted this song from first hear. http://media.imeem.com/m/0senTnkVJO/aus=false/ Continue reading Love Lockdown
Job Hunting 2008
I arrive at the crossroad of desperate lost souls and hopeful promises. I sign in at the marble lobby with the overly friendly receptionist in a tight skirt and frizzy ponytail. A clipboard, akin to a doctor’s office, holds the names and the arrival times of us job seekers. A man uses the tactic of innocent flirtation with the receptionist. He jokes mindlessly about the … Continue reading Job Hunting 2008
Maine – August 2008
Maine unveiled her beauty to me in my one week visit. Once again, Mother Nature proved to be a photographer’s best subject and stylist. Acadia National Park was blooming with flora and fauna that electrified under the sunlight. Blades of grass magically lit by sunshine among the humming rocks at the base of a stream. There were magical secrets appearing to me from every corner. … Continue reading Maine – August 2008
A VMA Virgin Play-by-Play
By most standards, I am pop-culturally retarded. Or at least I thought I was until I started visiting http://www.perezhilton.com everyday. Now I’m Hollywood-rumor educated. Somehow that seemed to make watching MTV’s VMA’s (Video Music Awards) a good idea. Perez Hilton summarized the VMA’s in a 5 1/2 minute drunken v-blog, but it takes me a bit longer to do the play by play. And yes, … Continue reading A VMA Virgin Play-by-Play
Take a breath. It will all work out.
Life has taught me that expectations are guaranteed assurance for disappointment. I have spent countless hours of my life predicting and preparing for situations, many of which never arrive. I look for exits in unfamiliar locales and questionable strangers have my eyes darting in all directions. I’ve prepared dozens of scenarios for every late night phone call from every possible area code. And why? The … Continue reading Take a breath. It will all work out.
Baba’s Heart
She sits peacefully in the hospital chair with a look of hope and recovery in her eyes. She wears her light blue hospital gown as comfortably as a housedress and proudly shows me her arms freed from all the IVs. She boastfully tells me how she ate chicken soup that morning and how she spoke to Rosa on the phone, who called her directly in … Continue reading Baba’s Heart
Dental Barbarism
“The dentist – he is a BARBARIAN! ” my father says in his thick Russian accent as I whine and recount the story of getting two cavities filled at Dr. Fine’s fancy dental office on Fifth Avenue. Let the fancy address fool you not – he too is a card-carrying member of The DBS (Dental Barbaric Society), where they make you take a lifelong oath … Continue reading Dental Barbarism
eHarmony falls flat
My best friend Sophie had a very Sex and the City-worthy week of dating in New York. She got broken up with on a text message, took home a busboy from work in a broken hearted shameful moment, and then drunk-dialed her ex-boyfriend from college. The next morning she calls me swearing off men again. So I suggest an alternative. “How about crossing your sex … Continue reading eHarmony falls flat
Me versus the Splinter
Four days after my thyroid surgery, I did something stupid. While I consider myself an overall lucky person, I tend to be a magnet for stupid situations. While I love a good medical drama as much as an other ER-loving fan, this particular incident registered as pretty benevolent on the medical radar. I seemed to have gotten myself a splinter under my left big toe. … Continue reading Me versus the Splinter
Six months later
Six months ago today I had a partial Thyroidectomy. Translation: half of my thyroid and half of my metabolism was cut out. I had a large nodule on one side of my thyroid that had begun to produce extra thyroid hormone and made me hyperactive. The surgery was a great success. The nodule they removed was completely benign. It turns out, I had two nodules … Continue reading Six months later
On the roof
After Sunday’s rained out attempt, we ventured down Muesum Mile once again and finally made it to see the art installation of sculptures by Jeff Koons. Set on the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the creations were dramatic and awesome against a Central Park and Manhattan skyline. Jeff KoonsSacred Heart (Red/Gold), 1994–2007High chromium stainless steel with transparent … Continue reading On the roof
Love letters version 2008
This morning I ran out to do a few errands leaving my sleeping boyfriend in bed. When I returned two hours later, I sat down on my computer and found this. My boyfriend loves me. Ain’t love grand? Continue reading Love letters version 2008
Bitch*
Getting fired last month was the best thing that had happened to me all year. I mean don’t get me wrong. For the first two hours after that bitch∗ terminated me I sobbed with my whole body. Heaving up and down, I could barely utter a word. My dad, my boyfriend and my assistant bore the brunt of my hysteria. They reassured me that this … Continue reading Bitch*
Hearts in Armor
Sunday we went to The Met to see the Jeff Koons sculptures on the roof. We got rained out so we took in the Art of Ancient Egypt and the Arms and Armor exhibits. The boys liked the swords and Egyptian tombs. I found hearts from 500 years ago. Tomorrow we conquer the roof! Continue reading Hearts in Armor
I eat too much pizza
I can’t remember the last time a week went by without one whole meal revolving around pizza. It’s disastrous (and when I say one whole meal, what I really mean is at least two whole meals). Why do I continue to justify this gluttonous, not-all-that-healthy, and overly lazy excuse for a meal? I’m not sure but it was love at first bite for this immigrant … Continue reading I eat too much pizza
Believing in Life (and grandma)
If you’re lucky enough to have a grandma, she probably comes with grandma-isms (or nana-isms). In my case, they’re baba-isms – phrases my grandmother uses over and over. For instance, every time my Russian-speaking grandmother meets someone English speaking and I happen to be standing there, she points to me and proudly says: “She is my granddaughter number one.” You could be her surgeon or … Continue reading Believing in Life (and grandma)
A Modern Lily Tomlin
It’s been about 8 years since I have had go on a formal job hunt. By formal I mean having to involve a recruitment agency. So here I am – back at a recruiting agency – performing the same dance to a different tune. I’m waiting in a conference room that smells like the corner of career aspiration and stale office carpet. The overly heavy … Continue reading A Modern Lily Tomlin
Font Humor
A few months ago I had a stroke of comic genius – my version of it anyway. I love fonts and thought wouldn’t it be great to create a comic strip or cartoon reenactment of the different fonts and how they would relate to each other. Particularly, I envisioned a plot centered on the potential rebellion against Times New Roman. How did he get to … Continue reading Font Humor
Career Predictions
My son Jake was watching me upload 150 pictures from our trip to the park earlier today when he had what I call a true A-ha moment. A certain look registered on his face and with a certainty in his voice he proclaims “I think you should be a photographist!” I remember this usage before – the “ist” suffix in an effort to create a … Continue reading Career Predictions
HeartsEverywhere 