And the Countdown Begins

I've managed to let Thanksgiving slip by without even a blip. It was certainly great to see my family. Saw my niece and nephew -- that was truly the highlight of my holiday. What a softie am I?

But now the post-turkey-gotta-get-everything-done-before-12/31 rush is on. Not just the shopping, the cards, the party planning. I mean the rush to wrap up all the things I swore I'd get done in 2007 but never even looked at twice.

As I stare down the barrel of the final days of 2007, I panic whenever I look at my list:

1. Live greener/lessen my negative impact on the environment - I hope I can integrate more of this into my daily life in '08, but thanks to my roommie, I've begun to take care of things like composting"

2. Get back in touch with friends I've managed to let slip in the past few years - You know, the old roommate who now lives in the suburbs, former co-worker who was your twin while you were working together, etc.

3. Purge any unusuable clothing, books, tchochkes. - No comment here.

4. Find a new sport to keep me interested - Yay! This, I got covered with hiking.

5. Re-discover old sports I've always loved but haven't pursued in NYC - I love swimming. Couldn't get me out of the water when I was a teenager. Anyone know a decent pool in NYC that won't cost an arm an a leg?

6. Eat healthier - This I've managed to improve somewhat. Reading books like Omnivore's Dilemma and Fast Food Nation helps a lot!

7. Watch TV less - Does it count if I watch less junk? No, REALLY!

8. Finish the damn book I've been working on for the last several years - No comment.

9. Be a better friend - Well, if I haven't managed to do this in the past 11 months, no hope left for this year.

10. Be more productive so I can have more downtime - Is this one even humanly possible these days without having a personal assistant????

What's your list look like?

Another year...

I can't believe 2007 is almost over. And with the end of each year, I meet another birthday.

I guess I still have the little girl alive and well in me. Even though I didn't want to make a big deal out of my birthday this year, I ended up having a very festive week. For the past few years, I've said no need for a party. And every year the same thing: what starts out as a small get together for my closest family and friends turns into a bash.

This year, due to various scheduling conflicts and those dears who got felled by illness, I ended up with a nice initmate dinner at my place, with big heaping spoonfuls of help from my roommate and family. Thank you, guys!

Also, I was supposed to only make a few lite bites to take the edge off while enjoying wine and sake. Ended up making a huge feast:

o 2 types of homemade dumplings (pork and tofu with veggies)
o Korean-style tempura of green squash, yellow sweet potatoes
o Scallion pancakes with fresh green peppers and dried red peppers
o Stewed daikon radish
o Pan-BBQ'ed beef short ribs

Dinner knocked some folks out early -- lots of food + lots of wine = lots of sleepy guests. Isn't that a good thing?

So after dinner, aftering seeing some folks off, those who were stil standing hung out at J27, where some more friends joined us. But we didn't last too much longer, or so I thought. After just one pitcher among five of us, a few songs sung, and a surprise serenade of "happy birthday" by the bartenders, we decided to call it a night. Imagine my surprise when I saw that it was 3 a.m. when I walked into my apartment! I was enjoying the company of my family and friends so much that I didn't want the night to end.

Oh well, there's always the big 4-0 next year.

I'm Baaaaaack!

Got back yesterday from Boulder at the ridiculously early hour of 6:00 am. But it was worth flying on the red eye to make the most of my time in Boulder. What a trip!

I landed on Thursday night at Denver International Airport an hour later than scheduled so Friday morning, I was completely exhausted. Didn't even get to Renee's house in Bouder until almost 2 a.m MST., 4 a.m. EST.

Friday, 11/9/07: Mount Sanitas

When I finally dragged my butt out of bed around 9, Renee and I decided to go hit the trails near her house. The trailhead was literally just 4 blocks away from her house. Crazy, ain't it?

I knew this was going to be a tougher hike than Wilkinson/Sugarbush in the Hudson Valley. This trail was a steep uphil climb from the getgo. My confidence was dampend within minutes. Renee had said this was a relatively easy hike since we only had 1.5 hours. So I guess I had gotten a bit cocky. Based on my NY hike, I figured it couldn't get too difficult since we only had about 45 minutes to ascend. What I didn't realize was that (1) Mt. Sanitas was not just a hill, and (2) since Boulder is at 5,430 ft above sea level, my decreased oxygen intake was making the hike tougher (yeah, that means I was sucking wind), and (3) these mountains were steeper than the East Coast mountains since they were "younger". Don't ask how the geological details -- I only know what my geologist friend told me.

So after what felt like an eternity of climbing up up up, having to use my hands to hoist myself up some big steps in the ground as well as some boulders, I asked Renee how long we'd been climbing for. In fact, it had been not much more than an hour. We had stopped a handful of times so that Renee could point out the vista of Boulder below, and each time we looked down, I realized our ascent was significant. Mount Sanitas can allow an elevation gain of up to 1,255 ft. So further we went up, the harder it got to breathe. I think we only got up about two-thirds up toward the summit. I was disappointed, but I also didn't want to overdo it on my first day out.

Crazy thing is that during our ascent, we saw kids hanging out on stone nedges. I don't mean teenagers. They were kids, no more than 10 or 11 years old. I assumed that everyone in Boulder took advantage of the amazing mountains in their backyard, but weren't they a bit too young? Renee said that in fact, that was quite common.

We turned off onto a dowhill path, and ate our sandwiches on our way down the mountain. The hike down was a lot easier -- after the initial steeper climbs down, it was basically a downhill walk, rathan than scrambling. Whew! It took about half the time to reach the bottom. I'm sure my friend disappointed that she didn't get a bigger workout in. As for me, I felt completely whipped. Barely dragged myself to dinner with Renee's in-laws. I was afraid I'd fall asleep in my food!

Saturday, 11/10/07: Chautauqua Park/Royal Arch/Flatirons

Saturday morning, we drove to Chautauqua Park, which is at the base of the Flatirons as well as Flagstaff Mountain, both at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Again, the trailhead in the park started out at a steep incline, but that was just the beginning.

First, we climbed the Ryal Arch trail, with a total altitude gain of 1,240 ft. if we were to reach the summit. As at Mt. Sanitas, the ascent was fast, and I was tiring fast. After about 50 minutes of consistent ascent, just as I was about to ask Renee if we could take a longer break than the 30 second breathers we had been taking, she asked if I wanted to take a different trail to head up into the Flatirons.

I didn't realize that this would be the steepest hike to date. There were crazy rock steps, and at some points, I had to basically grab the larger boulders for balance and hoist myself up. Renee was nearly jogging her way up with ease. Sigh. Boy, what a long way I have to go to get back in shape. And the altitude didn't help -- my lungs were on fire. And no wonder -- the possible altitude gain on this trail was over 1,500 ft. After another 30 minutes or so of attempting to keep pace with Renne, I was almost ready to call it quits. Even though I saw people odf all ages and physical shape pass me by. There was even one elderly man using walking poles. He zoomed past me, too. How depressing is that?

But as we continued to climb, the scenery just got more and more breathtaking. We were probably about another 30-45 minutes away from the summit, but my lungs were screaming at this point. I gotta start running again. Ugh. So I had to be a wuss and ask Renee to turn back. But I didn't feel too beat. Renee was great about keeping my spirits up, saying I was doing a good job of keeping up with her. I know she was lying, but it helped to have support. Even those whizzing by me were saying "you're doing great." Wait. That could be considered condescending, no?

Then, just as a bit of hubris was beginning to settle in once we touched down on flat land, I twisted my ankle. That's right. On...flat...ground. Can you say "humiliation"?

Boy, was I glad we were going to be sitting for a few hours at a dance performance that evening.

Sunday, 11/11/07: Eldorado Canyon State Park/Nederland

Renee knew I wanted to see the canyons and the Boulder Falls, so she and her husband backed up their baby's things and we drove north. The canyons were impressive, but the waterfall was dry. Completely dry. Boulder Middle Creek, which the waterfall is supposed to flow into, was flowing quietly on the other side of the road. I was so tempted to say let's go for a quick hike up the trail next to the waterfall, but I wasn't sure about my ankle. I have to say, now when I see anything hikable, I wanna go up.

Not long after we passed through the canyons, we reached Nederland, which is a quiet, old mining town. Very sweet looking, but looked nearly deserted. My friends took me to a small Tibetan place, Kathmandu. Delish.

But what stood out in my mind the most from the weekend are my hikes with Renee -- some long-overdue quality time with a dear friend, but also, I had pushed myself harder than I had in a long time. Later that night, on the red eye back to NYC, I was still on a high from the hike up to the Flatirons. And I can't wait to find more exciting trails to hike and climb near NYC.

On The Road Again...

Okay, okay, so it's been a while since I've taken any real time off from work. Well, finally taking what Bridget Jones called a "mini break." Yippee!!

Thanks to a friend with a huge heart who's treating me to her miles, I am flying Thursday night to Boulder for a long weekend. Well, flying into Denver, then driving the hour or so to Boulder.

Can't believe I've never been to Colorado. Flown through before a few times, but never set foot outside the Denver Airport. Did you know that Boulder boasts more than 300 sunny days each year according to a Wikipedia entry? Apparently, nearby mountains shield Boulder from the worst storms.

Hoping we can hit the trails at Eldorado Canyon State Park. Supposed to have amazing views of canyons right off the trail. Keep your fingers crossed that I don't have another wardrobe malfunction. Also, Boulder Falls is another must-see.

So excited I can't seem to focus on writing something of substance other than to say: I'M GOING ON VACATION!!!

Hiking it

I think I've fallen in love again...with the great outdoors.

This weekend, my friend, Ryan and I went hiking just north of Cold Spring, New York. Wendy, my roommate, who's been on countless hiking and clmbing trips all over New York state, suggested a trail called Sugarloaf in the Hudson River Valley. Since I haven't hiked in years (alright, alright, almost 17 years), I wanted a trail that was manageable in a few hours. She's hiked it in about 2 hours so I figured I could handle it.

At 10:15 am on Saturday, Ryan and I hopped off the Metro North at the Breakneck Ridge stop. Literally "hopped off". Turns out there is no station at Breakneck Ridge -- just a set of wooden steps that the conductor called "vestibule" when he warned the passengers not to dawdle so we don't get hit by the next train. There were no signs to indicate where the trails might be. Luckily, there were other hikers who got off with us. We began to walk north along Route 9D once we made our way across the tracks and out onto the highway. After about 1/4 mile, we saw a small trail veer up east into the mountain, and we assumed this was the Sugarloaf Mountain trail.

Throughout the hike, we discussed how the trail didn't seem as easy as Wendy had promised. She'd said that Sugarloaf was flatter than Breakneck. Yet we found ourselves having to really hoist ourselves up rocks and ridges. After about 30 minutes of some off and on hiking and "scrambling", we ran into two women who were hiking with their dogs. They told us that in fact, we were on the Wilkinson Trail. We found out later that the Wilkinson Trail is on the Beacon Mountain Range, and was more challenging than Sugarloaf but merged with it at the summit.

We decided to push forward anyway because it would take too long to loop back. So after about a solid hour of hiking-scrambling-climbing, following trail markers, we reached the summit. What a breathtaking view! We could see the whole valley, Bear Mountain, and even some of the smaller towns on the western bank. We even spotted a few hawks circling overhead. Of course, Ryan and I joked that they'd spotted the amateur hikers and were waiting for us to get lost. Very Blair Witch...

As we were eating lunch, I noticed that the slab of rock I was on had grown colder. Suddently, I realized that the back seam on my jeans had caught a small edge on the rock and had begun to rip. Yikes! I began to laugh and Ryan asked me what was so funny. When I told him, Ryan couldn't stop laughing. Not just a "ha ha", but the kind of guffawing that made me realized he was truly laughing AT me. Great. Glad he got his chuckle in for the day. Sigh. As we stood up to start our descent, RRRRIIIPPP!!!, down to the back of my right knee. Double yikes!

After tying a long sleeved shirt around my waist, and giving Ryan explicit instructions to walk AHEAD of me, we began the walk down. Instead of heading back down the same trail, we decided to go down the other side so we could see more of the mountain. After about a half hour, however, we realized that we were that we had somehow begun to climb uphill again. After much discussion and nervous laughter (yelling "Blair Witch Project!" in between each forced giggle), we decided to trudge on as Ryan pointed out that we had been following the trail markers and we were bound to come to the end of the trail at some point soon. Good point.

More ups and downs (no, really), and in another hour or so, we realized that we were climbing toward yet another summit, but on the eastern side of the mountain. Double yikes. Both exhausted, we had little chit chat. Just the occasional "are we climbing again?" and "was that the actual summit?". We did reach our second summit of the day. Ladeedah. Needless to say, we didn't dawdle too long there.

So we took our second descent. After 1.5 hours of "do you see the next trail marker?" and "I wish I'd brought more water!" and "I could really go for some Korean BBQ and an ice cold beer", we finally made our way down to the highway. Except that we were over a full mile north of the train stop. Of course, there are no sidewalks on a highway. Silly me! There was no shoulder to speak of on this stretch, which befuddled us, since this was such a popular destination for hikers. Greeeat.

When we saw the train tracks through the trees, I think I actually applauded. Ryan managed a giggle. He'd been uncharacteristically quiet most of the walk along the highway. I will say, thanks to his eagle eye and ability to see the trail path better than yours truly, we made our way back with 20 minutes to spare before the train.

Within minutes after pulling away from Breakneck, the rolling of the train put me to sleep. And the next thing I knew, we were pulling into Grand Central. And in my sleepy fog, I mustered to Ryan that I was in too much pain to grab Korean BBQ as we'd planned. I think I was still asleep when we said our respective "have a nice evening."

One thing was clear, even as I was taking my second hot bath within 10 hours on Sunday morning. I had blisters all over my feet, I had done something wacky to my knee and it was swollen. My lower back was throbbing because I think I overreached when I was scrambling. And my quads were like jelly to the point where I could barely walk. Despite all this pain, I realized that I'd fallen head over heels in love with climbing a mountain. It wasn't just the reward of the gorgeous view. It wasn't just the work I had to do to get to the top. It's beyond words. All I know is that I can't wait until I can be out there, scrambling my way to another summit.

What is it about L & O Anyway?

No matter what day of the week, or what time of day, there seems to be a Law & Order on TV. Besides the new season currently on NBC of the original and SVU, reruns of the original run on TNT, SVU and Criminal Intent on USA. And now, My9's been airing Criminal Intent. So is this why I find myself addicted to all 3 series? Or is it on all the time because people are addicted to these shows?

All I have to say is that I'm so relieved that the other offshoot, Conviction, never stuck. Even that's on reruns now, but thankfully, it's on HD. Whew. Don't get HD.

But why are these shows so addictive? Is it the self-contained nature of each hour? Is it the completely unrealistic concept of tying up everything into a nice, neatly packaged box in one episode? Or is it the way in which these shows unfold -- you know, you can pretty much guess what the big "surprise" twist is, and yet when you see it, you still feel impressed with your ability to figure it out early on?

Another interesting thing about all 3 series - there's a handful off actors that are repeat customers in various parts. Some even return as a villain after having played the "good guy" on previous episodes. This can become a game, as in "which season did I see that actor in before?"

Last but not least, the mere sliver of personal lives they flash of the main characters keeps you watching as well. For example, will Olivia and Elliott ever resolve their push-pull love-anger codepency? Even the allusions to former lead characters is magnetic - I await any mention of Lenny Brisco in any episode.

Is this an insidious strategy of the producers of the 3 series to keep viewers hooked, or my own pathological need to have a quick fix of easy answers in a life filled with unanswerable questions?

Is it just me...

1. ...or is there a push by the mainstream media to proclaim Hillary Clinton as the unofficial Democratic Party nominnee?

2. ...or does it feel like we've been in full throttle of Global Warming in recent years? (modified per comments)

3. ...or with hundreds of new shows on TV this fall, there's nothing worth watching?

4. ...or should I be scared that the #1 movie in the US this past weekend was The Game Plan?

5. ...or has CNN become a Fox News clone?

Just sayin'.

Hodgepodge

So I missed a few days. Not because I was too busy or because I had nothing to write about. I couldn't decide what's most important to put out there. So you get highlights instead:

Into The Wild
Jon Krakauer's book was adapted by Sean Penn into a film that, while sorrowful, will show you glimpses of such beauty that you won't know why exactly why the tears are rolling down your cheeks. And while the NY Times said that Eddie Vedder overdid the melodramatic music, I felt transported by his voice and harmonies. Yes, I cried. I'm such a sap.

If Not Indian Summer...
I'm assuming it's un-PC to call this bizarre weather "Indian summer". What exactly, then, can we call it? "Global Warming In Progress" summer? The "Ex-VeeP Who Cried Wolf Was Right" summer? "Seasonal Patterns Are Permanently Shifting" summer? I'm stumped. Suggestions?

Is Iran Next?
Getting nervous that the ubiquity of Ahmadinejad and his bizarre campaign to poke at the Bush White House, and that that same ubiquity might lead to a gigantic mistep into yet another unjustified war. At the same time, I wonder if it's a gimmick to steer the media and the public away from the continuing call to decrease troops in Iraq. Misdirection has worked before. Various journalists have analyzed whether the possibilty truly exists. All I have to say is, "OH NO, NOT AGAIN!"

Homelessness Rates Go Up In New York?
Is it just me, or are there more people living in the streets recently compared to, say, 5 years ago? According to the homeless advocacy group Robin Hood (www.robinhood.org), homelessness is at its highest in recent years. Is this a fallout of the slowing economy? Or is it just simply the city administration not making the right decisions? And what is truly the best way to help?

Cleanse and Purge

Folks, get your mind out of tabloid world. No, this is not a report on the latest celeb rumored to be having eating disorder issues.

As unglamorous as this may sound, I've been enjoying a thorough purging of my closet over the past few weeks. Piece by piece, outfit by outfit, I've already thrown out two large Hefty bags filled with clothes I haven't worn since...ahem...college. Sigh. Isn't it strange that some of us women can become emotionally attached to a random dress or outfit that holds memories? So I find myself filling a separate bag with pieces I just can't seem to toss out altogether.

My mission is simple -- Keep classic pieces, toss out anything that's too fad-y. And yet this has been one of the most challenging endeavors I've taken on lately. Did I mention unhealthy attachment to clothes?

I never considered myself to be tethered to material things. They're just objects, I keep telling myself. Is it possible that somehow clothes are different since they function much like an everyday creative outlet for people like me? Since I don't draw or paint much anymore, I consider my morning ritual of getting dressed to be my attempt to create something pleasing to my eyes. Grant it, I don't always succeed, but most days, I do dress to reflect some aspect of myself.

But alas, for the sake of my sanity (as well as the groaning rack in my closet), I must see this agonizing yet strangely enjoyable ritual of closet purging to the end. Again, sigh.

Pet Peeve of the Month

Okay, this is a pure, unfettered rant. One of my biggest pet peeves hit me again today.

So I'm walking up the exit stairs of the West 4th Street stop, walking behind this guy who's walking a bit slow for my taste. But that's not my pet peeve. It is annoying when people slow down just as they reach the stairway, but it's not the end of the world.

What does get my goat is that he slowed to a complete stop by the second step, then lit up a cigarette. He took a deep drag, and blew it out with the world's biggest exhale, as if he wanted me to get the full lungful of second hand smoke.

What the f**k is that??? I have friends who are smokers, and I never mind if they light up in my company because they make a conscious effot to not let the smoke blow my way. But the "Subway Step Smokers" are the worst offenders of the city ordinance against smoking in public places, not just because they light up in the most public of city space -- the little bit of transitional space between the subway and the sidewalk -- but mostly because their actions speak volumes about total their lack of respect for other human beings. Their act is almost defiant, as if to say "I know you can't stand this smoke blowing in your face, and that's exactly why I do it."

Folks -- please, I beg of you -- there are those of us who absolutely cannot breathe if you leave a trail of smoke behind you as you exit the subway. A bit of consideration shown to your fellow subway riders by waiting the ten steps it takes you to walk out to the sidewalk to light up would be graciously appreciated. In fact, the next time a smoker waits to light up, I WILL go up to him/her and thank him/her profusely for their magnanimous generosity shown to other human beings. No, really. I totally would.

"Just a Humble Bounty Hunter, Ma'am."

Holy asteroids! I can't believe Cowboy Bebop is back on Adult Swim. Spike and his gang are at it again!

Just in time, too. I was just thinking the other day, while listening to the soundtracks (composed by the prolific Yoko Kanno), about the episodes I had missed when Adult Swim aired it last. And then, voila! Perfect timing, no?

For the uninitiated -- Cowboy Bebop is perhaps the perfect anime series ever created.

In 2071, a rag tag team of bounty hunters roam the solar system in search of their next big bounty hit. Each member of this crew of four, plus one genius dog, has a unique story. Each bounty hunt gets them closer to answers from their past. And each adventure brings them closer to each other.

Who knew anime characters could have such chemistry. Each episode, called "Session", falls in place like a jazz piece, which is as it should be, since jazz is a primary influences on every aspect of Cowboy Bebop. No synopsis I give here could possibly convey the appeal of Cowboy Bebop.

The series of 26 episodes was aired in parts by 3 various broadcasters in Japan between 1998 and 1999. The series found an audience in the US on Adult Swim, and has always done well on any of their repeat rotations. In 2001, Sony Pictures relased an animated feature "Cowboy Bebop: Knockin' on Heaven's Door," which was a critical hit in the United States.

In recent years, there have been rumors of a live action feature based on the series. But I fear that the magic cannot be replicated: Can't think of a single actor who can embody the main character Spike's unique balance of dry wit, disdain, laisse-faire air, and wounded heart. Or the enigmatic adorableness of Ed.

What is it about L & O Anyway?

No matter what day of the week, or what time of day, there seems to be a Law & Order on TV. Besides the new season currently on NBC of the original and SVU, reruns of the original run on TNT, SVU and Criminal Intent on USA. And now, My9's been airing Criminal Intent. So is this why I find myself addicted to all 3 series? Or is it on all the time because people are addicted to these shows?

All I have to say is that I'm so relieved that the other offshoot, Conviction, never stuck. Even that's on reruns now, but thankfully, it's on HD. Whew. Don't get HD.

But why are these shows so addictive? Is it the self-contained nature of each hour? Is it the completely unrealistic concept of tying up everything into a nice, neatly packaged box in one episode? Or is it the way in which these shows unfold -- you know, you can pretty much guess what the big "surprise" twist is, and yet when you see it, you still feel impressed with your ability to figure it out early on?

Another interesting thing about all 3 series - there's a handful off actors that are repeat customers in various parts. Some even return as a villain after having played the "good guy" on previous episodes. This can become a game, as in "which season did I see that actor in before?"

Last but not least, the mere sliver of personal lives they flash of the main characters keeps you watching as well. For example, will Olivia and Elliott ever resolve their push-pull love-anger codepency? Even the allusions to former lead characters is magnetic - I await any mention of Lenny Brisco in any episode.

Is this an insidious strategy of the producers of the 3 series to keep viewers hooked, or my own pathological need to have a quick fix of easy answers in a life filled with unanswerable questions?

A New Yorker's Been Remiss

Last week, I realized that it's been exactly 17 years since my move to New York City. How is it possible that I have been a New Yorker for that long? It's certainly flown by in a blur of life-changing experiences. And yet each year, I find myself saying "Gotta get to those things that ya gotta try at least once."

Don't get me wrong -- I think I've managed to squeeze in quite a lot, and I've enjoyed every single minute of exploration between the career-hopping, the relationships, and the buzz of every day life.

But somehow, I have managed to accumulate a mile-long list of things I have not been able to get to do or see. I don't mean tourist destinations like Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building (been there, done that, when I WAS a tourist back in the day). Nope. In fact, I'm talking about the types of things that only true New Yorkers can appreciate.

All respectible New Yorkers carry such a list: Restaurants they dream of celebrating life's milestones at (who doesn't want to have a birthday dinner at Union Square Cafe or Gotham Bar & Grill?), grabbing a drink in little hide aways that only true New Yorkers know about, strolling through neighborhoods they've always wanted to explore, and get aways unique to NY and its environs. There are oh-so-many items, but for now, I'll just list the top 5 I hope to accomplish by this time next year, in no particular order:

1. Hop on the Metro North for a day trip to the Cloisters.
2. Drinking champagne on the roof garden of the Met.
3. Stroll through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
4. Go to a taping of SNL (I know, the good ol' days are gone, but still).
5. Attend screenings at the New York Film Festival.

And one for good measure that's not technically in NYC but many New Yorkers do: Go rafting on the Adirondack Rivers.

Return To Second Class

Could we be sliding back to the pre-suffragist days? As absurd as that may sound, I can't believe that in this day and age, there are major corporations that actually try to treat women like 2nd class citizens. Apparently, Southwest Airlines has been "enforcing" a dress code just for women.

23-year-old Kayla Ebbert told The Today Show last week that she was stopped by a Southwest employee when boarding a flight from San Diego to Tucson back in July. Only after she adjusted her sweater and mini skirt was she allowed to board. How humiliating and demeaning is that? She had to do a "walk of shame" just to board a flight that she paid for.

Wait, as if that weren't bad enough, a second woman has come forward to report that she, too, was asked to cover up by a Southwest flight attendant when she attempted to board a flight to Burbank from Tucson. Setara Qassim told KNBC-TV in LA that a flight attendant forced her to use a blanket to hide from the other passengers because she was wearing a halter dress.

Have we reverted to a paternalistic, fascist state overnight? What right does any airline have to impose a dress code exclusively on women when the passengers are already paying more than they should be for cramped, uncomfortable flights with recyled air in a tin can with wings that barely passes for an airplane? Who are they protecting anyway? And if women have to cover up their shoulders or their legs, will they require that hairy necked men wear a turtleneck? How about those men who refuse to believe that they've put on an extra 10 or 50 pounds so they wear Dockers that end up giving that oh-so-lovely camel toe look? How about that flabby guy who's a few years past wearing wife beaters? Would they make him cover up with a blanket from his neck to waist?

In a year when the airlines have already failed on so many levels (remember all the delays during any inclement weather or technical glitch at all the major airports?), what gall to insist that a young woman who is dressed in attire that I could wear to my work on any hot, summer day hide her figure? Is Southwest afraid that if a heterosexual male pilot happens to see the woman sitting in the cabin on his way back from the loo, that he would be so distracted that he can't fly the plane?

IMHO, airlines have a long way to go to rectify all the wrongs in an industry that is essentially one of service, not unlike a restaurant or hotel. They can barely guarantee safety, what with pilots who fly drunk. Their baggage handlers have turned out to be thieves. And don't even mention comfort -- how many seats can they squeeze into a row before we're sitting on top of each other anyway?

There is absolutely no language on their website about the existence of any dress codes. I suspect Southwest could not possibly put such a policy as this in writing for fear that it would expose them to a whole heap of legal trouble. And who made the decision to put such a policy in place? How high up does this go?

This is beyond sexism. It is an outright violation of the civil rights of all women travelers. It may just be a halter here and a mini skirt there...for now. But how do we know that soon, this will not lead to "all women must cover all skin other than their faces." Are we becoming exactly the kind of society that our President has vowed to "liberate" and "democratize" where women do not share the same and equal rights as men?

A frightening development indeed. Truly.

Story at http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/13/airline.dress.ap/index.html?iref=newssearch

Why now?

Ok, ok, ok. I've been hearing "Blogs are the new journals" and "Everyone's got one now" and "It's easier than sending group emails [which no one reads anyway]."

So here I am. Starting my own.

"Why now?" you ask. Well, because everyone I know is experiencing major shifts. Whether it be the randomness of personal life, the joyous milestones for my family and friends, or my need to vent when things in the universe go askew, I dearly hope I don't experience what I do now whenever I read old journal entries from high school or college: "I can't believe I felt the same things back then."

At least, you'll find a chuckle or two here, or a smile. And at best, maybe we share our stories and find some common ground, learn a thing or two, and voila! Our lives will be that much fuller.