New Year’s Resolution

At this time of the year I usually pledge to curse less, drink less, watch what I eat, workout more, etc. This year is a little different. With so many thousands of people missing or dead in Asia and the South Pacific, I have resolved to always appreciate my family and friends and show them my love and gratefulness for their support. Lonely Planet has set up a Thorntree board for parties looking for missing persons. Here are a few of the entries: I need help translating Praviet "Kay" Boonwassana into Thai I am searching for my friend. His name is Praviet ("Kay") Boonwassana and he last lived on Phi Phi Island. He used to spend a lot of time near the pier and I am getting more and more worried every day. I need help translating his name into Thai alphabet. The list of Thai victims and injured people are all in Thai. Does anyone know of any lists of Thai names that are printed in English? He is approx. 30 years old, 5'7" tall, dark skin, black hair, brown eyes. If anyone has any info on his whereabouts I would greatly appreciate it. my email is kbrady852@hotmail.com Trevor Joseph from South Africa - Missing? Trevor Joseph travelling from Phuket to Singapore by boat around the time of Tsuname Disaster - No way of knowing are you safe? Neil MADSEN Neil where are you? Please ring Susie, Neil junior and Rosie. Mobile only-0408 081 719 (Australia) or write to 21 Vidler st, Cloverdale, PERTH in Western Australia, postcode 6105. We love you. Neil is a 56yr old man who looks a lot younger. He has short hair (or Shaved) and olive skin. He probably has a New Zealand passport although he has lived mostly in Australia. He is teaching English as a 2nd language in Bangkok, Thailand. Please help! From ex-wife Susie Madsen and kids Neil jnr and Rosie. I'm desperately searching for my father Jacques Koufi, who lives in Nong Kai, Thailand.I have received no more news since the tsunami struck. Today I'm still without news and I hopethat somebody who knows him or who has perhaps seen him could help me with my search.My email address: thkou@hotmail.com (24h/24h)

Travel becomes a strategy for accumulating photographs

Susan Sontag’s work has really touched and moved me. Her passing marks the end of an era of modern revolutionary people who have shaped minds and inspired thought.

SUSAN SONTAG

January 16, 1933–December 28, 2004

"America has become a country in which the fantasies and the practice of violence are, increasingly, seen as good entertainment, fun."

It is a sad, sad, day when you realize that your boyfriend has more SNEAKERS than all of the shoes in your entire collection.

Cooking in America

My grandmother made her very first batch of cookies today at 71 years of age. She started by asking me whether the dough balls were too close together on the baking sheet. After 13 minutes she asked me to check them---they were not quite done yet, so I told her to give them a few more minutes. After 3 minutes I hear a shout from the kitchen (rousing me from my handbag daydreaming on the couch) "See! They are burned!" I assured her that they were not burned, and that yes, they were ready to be taken out. She "tested" them by poking one with her finger and told me that she didn't think they were done because they were still soft. Then she said, "oh, do they harden once they cool? Is that how it works?" When asked why she had never made cookies before she said that it was "a waste of time". Classic. I love her.

CHILD BEARING AGE

This morning I was thinking about all of the people in my life; my friends, my family, etc. As my mind wandered I began to think about all of my girl friends that are getting married and having kids. A few of them have even asked me when I will start a family. My response is always that I am ONLY 26 and am in no way ready to bear children or even get married. I started to come up with a Top 10 list so that I can throw random answers at will depending on my mood. TOP 10 REASONS WHY I AM NOT HAVING CHILDREN BEFORE 30: Air travel without baby seats Dinner in quiet restaurants Shopping without strollers Shopping without diaper bags Life is still all about me What is the rush? Undivided attention for cousins, godchildren, and other little cuties Sometimes I feel like child rearing women think they have an all access pass to the development of their unmarried friends. Seriously, I can’t tell you how many times I have been asked when I will have kids, get married, etc. Perhaps it’s my right as a successful single young woman to ask questions about their progression as well? TOP 10 QUESTIONS FOR YOUNG WOMEN WITH KIDS Do you worry that your child will walk in on you having sex? Are you getting your tubes tied? How are little Johnny’s grades? Are you getting along with your in-laws? How is saving for college going? Was the insurance deductible high for that scooter accident Timmy got in? Have you been to that new (insert name of kid un-friendly hip restaurant here) When is the last time you went to the spa? Have you read any good books lately? Do you have a babysitter? Coincidentally, the Village Voice ran an article this week on women and the wait to have kids, get married, etc.

D-Day

Well, today’s the day. Roxy has her comprehensive exam, aka physical. I know what the vet is going to say before I even drop her off at the pet hospital. STOP feeding her. Who can resist feeding a cute little pup like this? Certainly not me…and by "I" I mean Javier.

I love this picture in black and white. Good old 35 mm never lets me down. 

Gwen Stefani Rocks

I have always loved Gwen Stefani. For me it started with No Doubt my freshman year at CSULB. Tragic Kingdom was the soundtrack of my life in '96-'97. My love for ND has grown with every album they released since. Gwen is such a fantastic performer. I am so glad I flipped the channel to the Billboard Awards last night just before she performed. She wore platform stilettos and sang her ass off. Big props to GS for her amazing live (no lip sync here) performance. She showed her ska punk roots for a minute with a little head bop. Did I mention those platform stilettos? One more thing on Gwen Stefani and her solo album. Track 4 "Cool" is SO about Tony Kanal, and even though it should be a happy song, something about it is just so sad...letting go of a difficult relationship and being able to remain friends is amazing and they are fortunate to have such a strong bond... Anyway, lyrics are here if you care to read... It's hard to remember how it felt before Now I found the love of my life... Passes things get more comfortable Everything is going right And after all the obstacles It's good to see you now with someone else And it's such a miracle that you and me are still good friends After all that we've been through I know we're cool We used to think it was impossible Now you call me by my new last name Memories seem like so long ago Time always kills the pain Remember Harbor Boulevard The dreaming days where the mess was made Look how all the kids have grown We have changed but we're still the same After all that we've been through I know we're cool And I'll be happy for you If you can be happy for me Circles and triangles, and now we're hangin' out with your new girlfriend So far from where we've been I know we're cool

What's wrong with this picture?

Let me preface the image you are about to view with a disclaimer. I in no way, shape, or form advocate marijuana use recreationally.

What comes to mind when you peruse the health section of an online newspaper? If it's blunts and tacky nails, then the New York Daily News is for you. By the way, honey, contrasting lipliner went out with scrunchies and slip dresses.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Despite the weather and the season, I am wearing a Grapefruit Lacoste hoodie and pink wedges with a cork heel. Fear not, my friends, I will be back to normal on Monday after my Lacoste fix with Samuel tomorrow. Makes me long for Ting-made with real Grapefruit. It's the wickedest.

The Wickedest Ting

Happy Holidays! Damn, I'm Old...