A Day in the Life of a Jerusalem Anglo

Political correctness

2007-10-29T23:16:11Z

I spend an inordinate amount of time at my job worrying about whether we're showing enough minorities in our books. (No one ever thinks about--let alone NOTICES--these things except an editor, but that's the subject of a whole other posting.) For those who are wondering, minorities include: African Americans, Asians, Latinos, women, and people with physical handicaps, to name a few.

So today I was proofreading a coworker's book, and I came across an illustration that was so ridiculous I figured it had to be a mistake. The book is about a group of kids playing soccer. It is, of course, a mixed-gender and mixed-ethnicity team, and the illustrations are very cute. However, one of the kids is also physically handicapped. How, you might ask? He's missing a leg.

Yes, that's right: He's actually *missing* a leg. At first I thought there was something wrong with the illustration, but apparently this was done on purpose. How on earth could a kid with only one leg play SOCCER, of all things? Could the editor not have included the handicapped kid in another book instead? Or could the handicap have been something NOT involving a leg (like maybe the kid could be missing an arm, if we're going for amputations)?

Sometimes you have to wonder...

It must be a record

2007-10-19T12:11:37Z

I went to Star this morning to buy a few things for the weekend:

3 Gala apples (my favorites!)
a small container of raspberries
a container of cherry tomatoes
2 red peppers
a small bottle (single serving size) of apple cider (which I haven't had in YEARS!)

The bagger used four bags to pack up my groceries. Yes, that's right: FOUR BAGS. That's almost one bag for each kind of food, since I only bought five kinds. WHY?!?!?

(And when I told her I only really needed one, she threw the other three away.) I do NOT understand. This is why I usually bring my own reusable bag.

Better late than never!

2007-10-09T22:09:16Z

I just got home and found something fun in my mailbox -- a T shirt proclaiming the Cubs the Central Division Champs of the National League.

Too bad they already blew it. (But thanks for the shirt, Dad!)

And I did it again...

2007-10-07T23:59:08Z

My feet hurt a lot after walking so much the last few days. And I guess they hurt so much that I actually fell over again. This time, just to make it more exciting, I fell down in the middle of the street. Luckily it was almost midnight on Thursday night and there were no cars coming, so I was okay.

But okay, I've had enough of this falling over thing... I'm ready to go back to the not-graceful but also not-injured state I had been in since I moved back to this country.

A classic move...

2007-09-30T00:57:09Z

Today I was walking down the street, minding my own business, laughing with Brooke, when suddenly I was flying through the air, my face pointing down.

In other words, I fell.

Most of you will NOT be surprised to hear this. You have known me through the broken finger in junior high (I really *was* going up for that rebound!), that broken toe in high school (and yes, I really *did* walk into the wall and break my toe), and countless other accidents. There was even that several month period in Israel where I fell every week, but (thankfully) didn't hurt myself.

Today was similar. I landed flat on my face, but was fortunate enough to mildly scrape my hands and knees but talented enough to not rip my skirt or get dirty. How many people can say *that*?!?

Working from home

2007-09-26T16:50:44Z

I'm working from home today... well, not my home, but Brooke's home in NY. I have to say, working from home is pretty great. You don't have to worry about looking busy if you're not. You don't have to worry about checking your email and having your boss come up behind you. (You can even check LJ!) And best of all, you can wear your pajamas while working!

(And let me reassure all of you, I actually *am* working today -- this is my lunch break.)

I'm still here...

2007-09-23T12:18:16Z

I guess I sort of fell off the face of LJ -- sorry, everyone. Many of you have been complaining about me not updating here, so I apologize. But it's been a busy month! Here are some of the things I'm doing these days:

1. I broke down and bought myself an elliptical. I know, I know -- those of you who really know me can pick yourselves up off the floor now. It's not really my thing, but I'm sick and tired of not being physically tired enough to sleep. Besides, once I'm listening to music, it's not *so* bad.

2. I started my class at BC. For those who don't know, I'm taking a class on testing and assessment. It's for work (obviously) -- with a title like that, it couldn't be for my own person growth. Welcome back to the world of homework!

3. I went to a poetry reading for a co-worker of mine. She's really talented, and it was fun to hear her read. As my dad says, "That's a really hard field to make your living in." To which I replied, "You'll notice I said she's my CO-WORKER."

4. I went to St Louis for Rosh Hashanah. It was great to see some friends there, and it was great to have the closest thing to a vacation I'll have this year. (Maybe next year will be different...) The problem came this week, when the fact that I'm allergic to their cat finally caught up with me. I've spent all week trying to get rid of an annoying cough.

5. I got to catch up with a friend from Boston who moved away last month... She was actually back in town for a few days. Hooray! :)

6. I was here in Boston for Yom Kippur, which went pretty well. Not a bad fast, all things considered.

7. Working: Yes, although some of my co-workers probably feel differently, I am actually working too. I keep disappearing for a couple of days at a time for Jewish holidays. (And this week and next won't be any different!) Granted, I'm working in between all the other things I have going on. I seem to be working many hours when no one else is in the office, which is why when THEY come in, there are things waiting for them on their desks.

Does that excuse my disappearance, just a little bit? I hope you can all forgive me! :)

Today's adventure

2007-08-22T01:14:46Z

I've been talking about joining Zipcar since I moved to Boston, and I only just managed to do it. So today became the first day I have ever driven in this state! Of course, the way to start out a driving career is by getting lost, so I made sure to do that. In all fairness, though, I had a little help from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which does not seem to believe in posting street signs. I was *very* lost; I really couldn't tell you where I was. What I do know is that I was near 93 (I know, that narrows it down, right?). Fortunately, some very nice women on the street were able to give me good street-name-less directions, and I made it to my destination. Mission accomplished!

Books, books, books...

2007-08-21T00:39:33Z

I love books.

I'm sure this, as an opening line, would be much more shocking if I had never used it before (which I have) or if I weren't an editor (which I am). I'm also sure it would be more shocking if you had never met me before. But since I'm sure all of you reading this know me, I imagine this opening line hasn't drawn you in to read today's rant. (I'll give myself a B- for today's lead.)

Nevertheless, the line is an appropriate one, mainly because of the great number of important book-filled places that there are. Aside from used book stores (which completely stress me out, probably because frequently the books are in no particular order and are therefore very difficult to sort through), I love rooms full of books.

In bookstores, I’m drawn in by the endless rows of new books with unbroken spines. Most of my own books are like these, to the point that I have been asked whether I have actually read the books on my bookshelves. (I have. I just like keeping new books in good condition.) I also love those shiny, enticing book covers, the ones that compel you to pick them up and prove that old adage true: You *can* judge a book by its cover.

At the library, I often wind up with the books that are worn and seem to be well-loved. Reading such a book is like meeting an old friend; it’s comfortable and surprising, all at once.

And I had forgotten about college bookstores. There’s really nothing like a college bookstore before the semester starts. All those books, organized by course number and bursting with information, ready to be studied and absorbed, and waiting for someone to create a new theory or idea from them. I forgot the feeling of opportunity I get from entering a store like that. Just looking at all those titles, I got excited about starting the school year all over again. Like when I was a kid (and yes, I was one of those excited kids at the beginning of the school year), I couldn’t wait for the school year to start so I could dive headfirst into a new subject.

Amazingly, I managed to get out of the store with just the one book I had gone in to buy. (That may be because that one textbook cost me—-used-—$80. I had also forgotten how expensive textbooks are.)

Now I just have to hope I can maintain all this enthusiasm throughout the semester!

Hairspray

2007-08-16T01:57:08Z

I just went to see Hairspray with some of the girls from work. You should all see it -- it was really cute. And John Travolta dressed as a woman was pretty entertaining in and of itself!

Another visitor

2007-08-14T00:04:13Z

This weekend was my mom and Jeff's turn to play visitor in Boston. They arrived Saturday afternoon and we had a great time walking around the city on Sunday. Such a beautiful day! This morning they headed up to Maine, and they'll be back here in Boston on Friday afternoon.

But today, just to make sure I wouldn't miss them while they're gone, I got about 75 emails from my mom. She must not have set her away message with the correct start date, so I got an away message in response to just about every email I've sent her at work over the last six months. (*This* is what I get for being a good daughter and emailing my mom?) After the first thirty or so, I called her office and of course the IT guy was out today, so there was nothing they could do.

I've never been so popular. I actually got 28 of those messages while I was at lunch.

Here's hoping there won't be more tomorrow!

Any words of advice?

2007-08-02T23:30:13Z

I'm sure it will shock all of you (not really) to learn that I am not very good at taking criticism. Especially at work. Try as I may, I always get defensive and vehement when people try to point out something that I may have done wrong.

Anyone else have any thoughts on how to deal with this?

And now, introducing...

2007-07-31T23:09:15Z

Yesterday I got to go to a training seminar in Woburn. The most exciting part of the day was when we pulled up to the building and I realized that there was a Kohl's across the street.

Now apparently Kohl's is new in the Boston area, so many people here do not know of the wonder that is Kohl's. When I came back to the training seminar after an hour of speed shopping during my lunch break, everyone was amazed at how much I was able to find -- and for how little money. It was exciting for me to be so successful and fun to share what I bought with my co-workers.

But what was *really* funny was this morning, when three of my co-workers came by my cubicle to tell me that they had gone to Kohl's after the seminar was over -- and to tell me what they had bought and for how little!! They all thanked me for introducing them to the store and said they'd be happy to take me any time I wanted to go. They should be careful what they say -- I may have to take them up on the offer!

An improvement

2007-07-23T21:46:08Z

Last week, every time I ate yogurt, I spilled it on my shirt. (And yes, I really do mean every time.)

This morning, I did not. I'd say that's an improvement, wouldn't you? :)

There's nothing like good seats.

2007-07-23T02:45:51Z

I got to go to the Red Sox game today with again... thanks to Brooke, we had great seats! We sat in the grandstand, behind home plate. In the shade, on a perfect 80 degree day. There was a breeze blowing, we could see everything that happened on the field, the Chicago White Sox lost (I come from a Cubs family, after all), and the home team won. Does life get any better than that?

The last time I was at Fenway, we sat in the bleachers. Once again, I will admit that I'm a little bit of a snob. (At least I'm aware of it, right?) I don't like the bleachers. I like to sit where I can see what's going on -- because unlike the women having a girls' day out sitting in front of us, I actually *watch* the game.

Go Red Sox!

Random thoughts from the day

2007-07-16T22:30:28Z

My day started off wonderfully this morning when I spilled blueberry yogurt on my shirt and had to walk around with a purple stain right where I really don't want a stain.

I was completely unable to concentrate at all today, which means that of course I embarrassed myself by asking several stupid questions. I was ready to go home at 10am.

The day got much better when I got an email from my friend Angela. Apparently she's back in Boston! (Maybe you other BU grads remember meeting her at some point? I'm sure you've all met her, but she's actually a friend from high school who followed me to BU!)

I muddled through the rest of the day and had a big laugh right before I left... I was walking through the kitchen and found our receptionist (who's an elderly woman) looking intently at the floor. I assumed she had dropped something and asked what she was looking for. She said, "Oh, I'm not looking for anything. I'm playing hopscotch." She then proceeded to toss a paperclip on one of the floor tiles and hopped her way toward it. I barely held in my laughter till I made it back to my cube. (And by the way, I promise you this story is the truth -- my imagination is nowhere near good enough to make that up.)

At least the day ended on a good note!

A long weekend

2007-07-09T21:56:22Z

What a nice weekend... My first Fourth of July in Boston was very fun! My dad and Lisa came into town and we started the holiday by walking the Freedom Trail. Pretty appropriate for Independence Day, I thought! They went down to the Cape on Thursday and Friday, and returned Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday we ran all the errands I've been putting off because of not having a car -- I got some folding chairs and small side tables, a step-ladder (to change just about every lightbulb in my apartment), and some other small things. And yes, for those of you in the know, I also got a TV -- one of those new-fangled flat screen television sets with a built-in DVD player. Very cool. It also hooks up to my laptop, so I can use it as a computer monitor as well. Fun new toys!!

The other fun this weekend was a surprise visit from Brooke (okay, not a surprise visit -- more like a last-minute decision to come to Boston). We had dinner together Friday night, and wound up going out with some of her friends late on Saturday night. And now I can say that I have had my first (and hopefully *only*) experience with being turned away from a bar! :) Pretty entertaining...

Back to work tomorrow morning -- the fun is over!

Summer

2007-06-28T02:19:51Z

Okay, so I know that I moved to Boston from a place where it's summer at least six months out of the year. I also know that I moved from a place where--despite the fact that it's hot for so many months--at no time did I live in an apartment that had air conditioning.

That being said, 95 and humid is NOT FUN.

People said I was crazy to move to Boston in January. They said I would freeze. They couldn't believe that I would give up life in a desert for a life in the "unending winter" of New England.

I say, bring it on. I am NOT a summer person, and I can't breathe in this heat.

Maybe I'll move to Alaska. Whaddya think?

Woo-hoo!

2007-06-21T23:26:49Z

In celebration of the summer solstice, we had an ice cream party today at work -- what fun!! (They definitely know the way into MY heart -- now if they'll just agree to give me more vacation days, I could be happy there forever!)

Back in Boston

2007-06-18T23:21:37Z

What a fun mini-vacation -- sometimes all you need is a few days in a different place to have a good time. I had a blast! It's been a while since I laughed that much. I think the best part was meeting a lot of Brooke's friends -- now I have faces to go with all those names she's been dropping for the last few years! Also got to see her new apartment (which is beautiful, of course!) and stayed up late gabbing.

A special note for fes42: We almost got tickets to see Curtains -- orchestra seating, center section, row D!!! But we managed to control ourselves, did NOT spend over $100 per ticket, and did other things instead. Fortunately (or unfortunately?), tickets to Company were sold out for this weekend, or I probably would not have been able to control myself so well!

Instead, we spent Sunday driving around Manhattan and (of course) got stuck in a traffic jam... many hours later, we emerged relatively unscathed and only slightly out of sorts. At the very least, we lived to tell the tale. (And did I mention we laughed a lot?)

I'm so glad I went -- what a treat to spend the whole weekend with a friend!

A mini-vacation

2007-06-15T23:45:39Z

So here I am in Passaic, New Jersey for the weekend. A little mini-vacation for yours truly. I'm visiting my friend Brooke, who I lived with in Chicago a few years ago. So it's fun to see her apartment and all the furniture she bought since she lived with me. :) Plus, I get to meet all the people she's met here in Passaic and finally have some faces to go with all those names. I just love that!

Other good things from today:

1. I only worked till 11:30am.
2. I actually slept last night -- the first good night's sleep I've had since last Friday night!
3. I managed to pack everything I needed for the weekend in a small carry-on, so I didn't have to deal with checking luggage.
4. I had Cherry Garcia ice cream. (It's so nice to hang out with people who know what I love and prepare for it!)

Everyone have a good weekend!

Starting from scratch

2007-06-07T11:18:23Z

It's so much easier to join something than it is to start something. There's a small group of us who are trying to start a Jewish a capella group, and of course everyone wants something different. One woman only wants to rehearse in her house, but her husband is around and she doesn't want to bother him or tell him to leave. One woman only wants to sing traditional (Biblical) words to "holy sounding" tunes (whatever that means). One woman only wants to sing if we're going to perform once a month. One woman can't commit to meeting once a week -- she just wants to get together when she can to sing.

AARGH!!!

Although I'm keeping my fingers crossed, I really don't have high hopes.

Do I go too often to the library?

2007-06-01T01:59:09Z

Today I walked into the library near my office and the head librarian asked me, "Were your ears burning today?"

"Why?" I asked.

"Because I was just saying to [the assistant librarian] that I was hoping you would come in to chat," he said.

I think that means I go too often to the library... but that might be a good thing!

Thoughts on writing

2007-05-31T10:41:05Z

I've been editing a piece at work that involves figurative language (you know, similes, metaphors, and personification), so of course I'm hypersensitive to figurative language around me. Yesterday I got Michael Chabon's new book (The Yiddish Policemen's Union) from the library (after putting my name on the reserve list about six weeks ago, before the book was even in the library) and he has so many good images.

These are my favorites so far:
"It [the fog] has the translucence of onions cooked in chicken fat."
"...his ridged forehead looks like one of those domed beehives you see representing Industry in medieval woodcuts."

Where does he come up with this stuff?

But honestly, it's such a pleasure to read a book like this. It's so well written that it doesn't even matter what it's about; I would read it anyway. I wish I could write half as well!

Cars

2007-05-29T01:33:42Z

It's amazing to me how much faster you can get things done when you have a car. A friend of mine with a car took me to Target and to Whole Foods today, where I stocked up on things and bought a few things I had been wanting to get. What would have taken me all day on the bus became a three-hour affair -- and those three hours included an hour of lunch. How does that happen?

Most of the time I don't miss having a car -- but sometimes it would definitely make my life easier!