just a few things

1. I downloaded Tetris on my phone when I bought it a month ago. I really LOVED that game growing up, so was elated to find I could play it on my phone. I'd say it's probably the source of most of my wasted time. Anyway, I set a new high score today and am now ranked #1660. I still have a ways to go, but imagine how many people have downloaded and play Tetris! In the grand scheme of things, 1660 isn't bad. I was quite pleased with myself.
2. If you're ever thinking of becoming a crack addict, see "The Fighter". Also if you're just looking for a good film with some genuine Boston accents. I enjoyed it.
3. I cried again during "What Not to Wear".

for your viewing pleasure

It was brought to my attention that not everyone had heard the Trick Daddy (also featuring Lil' Kim and some vintage Cee Lo Green) 2005 remix of the Talking Heads' 1975 song "Sugar on my Tongue". I just wanted to share this with the world:



And the original:

i see lots of biking in my future

Meet the new face of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM)! After "a national search that drew more than 65 talented applicants", MY MOTHER has been named Executive Director! After being board president for two years (unpaid), she will now be working full time (paid) for BCM and working to make Maine the most bike-friendly state in the nation! I'm so proud!!! If you live in Maine and are a bicycle enthusiast, think about joining BCM. Big things to come, I'm sure.

today in the kitchen

Went to a open a can of these bad boys while making a batch of chili... it had apparently been canned under some serious pressure (it's hard being a chipotle pepper...) because as soon as the can was punctured, adobo sauce infused with chipotle peppers shot all over the kitchen. It also shot right up my nose. It was quite the sensation. I guess if I had to describe it, I'd say it was like snorting a Chipotle burrito with lots of hot sauce that had been converted to powder form. I just thought you should know.

greendrinks + robyn

I went to a great event last night at the State Theater called Greendrinks. I pulled this from their website:

Portland Greendrinks is part of the international Greendrinks network -- an informal, volunteer-managed social networking group built around a common interest in the natural environment. It occurs on the second Tuesday of every month, starting at 5:30 pm. The goal of Greendrinks is pretty simple: good times shared among people working in, or interested in, environmental and sustainability issues.

My understanding is each month they pick a nonprofit to highlight and that nonprofit gets the proceeds from the event ($2 entry with a drinking vessel, $5 without) plus lots of publicity. The sponsorship the event gets is amazing (read: free beer). Last night drew a huge crowd, mostly young people (Andrew and I were slightly overstimulated) AND they were selling raffle tickets to benefit the featured nonprofit, Portland Music Foundation. I was feeling victorious so I bought three tickets, and I won! I got to pick from a variety of tickets to shows at the State. I now have two tickets to ROBYN on January 29th, which I was definitely going to purchase anyway, so this was amazing.

If you haven't checked out her newest album, Body Talk, do yourself a favor. It's without a doubt my favorite album to dance party to.

P.S. Yeah, I'm still alive, I've just been really busy being Santa's Elf and doing lots of other super awesome things.

this is what i did today

totally blogworthy.

I did that. Love you, Fran!

friendliness

One of the things I SO missed about Maine and cherish now that I'm back is how friendly people are. The UPS guy came yesterday to deliver a particularly heavy package and I kinda helped him maneuver it into the garage. When he left, he gave me the affectionate, arm fully extended, "point", which I warmly interpreted as "Thanks for the help, you're the best". I went to get my watch fixed at Albert's Jewelers and while Albert (presumably) was working away we talked all about our Thanksgivings, various turkey preparations, family, etc. It was lovely! On the sidewalk, everyone gives a hello or a wave or at the very least a head nod.

I'm not sure why that friendliness dissipates as you get closer and closer to major urban centers. I wonder if Portland/ Maine is just too small to not be friendly? Like if the UPS man was a jerk to me he'd feel bad the next time he came to deliver a package? Whereas in cities people move around so much you don't bump into the same people consistently? Or is everyone just in a bigger rush in the city and doesn't have the extra time for that "special touch"? I don't know, but I do know those small but sincere interactions really warm my heart! For realz.