timnevits.com

Cursive

2011-12-10T19:59:00.001-05:00

A Porch in a Porch In a Porch in a...

2010-05-15T21:15:00.000-04:00

My friend Fred has the most amazing porch in the world. If you walk up to his front door and then look to the left, you see a porch in a porch in a porch in a porch... and on into infinitum. Okay, well, it's really only a few houses, but the view is geometrically amazing, how it all lines up. Someday I hope to take the same picture, but with all his neighbors hanging out in front.

Really, if you know Fred, you should stop by his house and take a look.

Spring Day at My Mother's in Valley City

2009-05-09T11:46:00.002-04:00

A spring day doing yard work at my mother's house in Valley City. Also, testing my new Flip Ultra HD camcorder.

Cleveland Winter Wonderland

2009-01-11T23:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, January 10th, 2009, was a great day to go to the beach in Cleveland, Ohio!

Liberal vegetarian New York son brings bountiful Tofurkey to Conservative Ohio Family

2008-11-29T02:41:00.001-05:00

Furniture Part 1 & Roomba Gets a Mouse

2008-11-23T00:47:00.000-05:00

Marcy Likes to Watch YouTube

2008-11-14T17:45:00.001-05:00

Okay, so it’s not something to scratch, but it still helps pass the time.

70

2008-10-23T21:04:00.002-04:00

For my mother's 70th birthday in June, we had an awesome celebration. For those of you who like home videos, or want a glimpse of the family I moved back to Ohio for, here's four minutes from that fantastic event.

(Check it out -- visit this video directly on YouTube and click "High Quality" to get a clearer picture.)

Ms. Marcy Would Like Something to Scratch

2008-07-04T20:33:00.001-04:00

Check another box off my list. On Tuesday I moved into my new Cleveland apartment. Is it a palace? No. Is it a box? Mmm... It's more like two smallish cream colored boxes joined together with a tiny kitchenette and bathroom, which, incidentally has the smallest toilet I have seen outside of China. But really it *feels* like a palace, and I don't want to put any stuff in it, because I like the way it feels so big and open.

But, an even bigger development than my apartment, a new woman has entered my life. Her name is Marcy, and she is the third installment in my life's feline trilogy.

The moment my mother found out Marcy was coming to live with me, she expressly forbade it. "I've got your other two cats, and I'm not taking any more!!!" were here exact words.

I've had my own reservations too:

* My apartment is too small

* Marcy sheds terribly

* She has CLAWS (and my new bedroom has new carpet)

However, my friend, reallllly needed to be cat free (he's allergic), so I conceded in offering up my new apartment as a *temporary* home.

Marcy, however, has turned out to be quite the lady. She always says "please" and "thank you" (I'm not kidding), is always in a pleasant mood, shows affection without being pushy, asks to be fed gently without biting my nose, stays out of the bedroom (with the door shut), keeps herself occupied by watcing the chick-a-dees build their nests outside my window, and cuddles with my while I sleep -- how many cats will do that!? Really, Marcy's feminine grace is something puts my boy cats, Bug and Thomas, to shame. (And as for her shedding, the Roomba arrives next Wednesday.) She is totally working her charms on me, as if to say, "you don't really want to get rid of me, do you?"

Still, I wish for Marcy a bigger place, and something on which for her to use her magnificent claws. Anyone know of a good home for Marcy? Take her now, quick before I become too attached!

My Fifteen Minutes are Up

2008-06-18T09:17:00.005-04:00

For those of you who missed my national fame, here's a copy of the graphic that appeared on msn.com, courtesy of my sister Carolyn.

About once a year people find my face plastered somewhere, be it on online, on a billboard, or on a magazine cover. Usually I'm the last to know. Ahh, the beauty of stock art. It's like being one of America's top models without any of the benefits.

Well, to be fair, my photographer ex did buy me a sandwich during the photo shoot. That's got to count for something.

Fifteen Minutes of Fame

2008-06-17T21:57:00.004-04:00

Quick!!! Before they change it, go to:

http://www.msn.com

See anything familiar!!?!?!?

Nine is Enough?

2008-06-08T09:33:00.007-04:00

Great fun was had yesterday at my mother's 70th birthday celebration. I'll post video of the party and my mother soon.

But of particular note was the once-in-a-lifetime gathering of my nine siblings (yes nine). Have you ever tried to get nine people (most of whom have children running around) together for a photo-op? Amazingly it happened. And so, without further adieu, let me present to you, my siblings:

From Left to Right:
Carolyn, Betsy, Renee, Paula, Genny, Judy, Tim (me), and Carol.
And in the back is is the only other guy, whose name is -- quite appropriately -- Guy.

Attacked in Cleveland

2008-06-06T09:27:00.002-04:00

As I was biking from Cleveland's West to East sides at 11:00 p.m. last night, a dark car drove up beside me. Suddenly there was a THWACK. My backpack shook violently. I nearly lost my balance. There was a disappointed "Oh!" from the car as it sped off south on Lake Avenue.

I pulled over, nervously reaching for my backpack. Feeling the goo and brittle white flakes, I realized what had happened: I had been egged.

Getting Settled in Cleveland

2008-06-03T00:02:00.002-04:00

Return to the Motherland

2008-05-30T23:18:00.001-04:00

Well, I'm here, in Ohio. My cats were happy to see me, even the grouchy one. Maybe that's a sign.

Coinstar Blessings

2008-05-25T23:09:00.000-04:00

Over the past five years in my New York apartment, I have managed to fill a plastic shoe container with change, pilfering it only occasionally for quarters for laundry. Thus, on Saturday, with the last of my possessions shipped to Cleveland for the big move, it was time to cash in.

I figured I had $20 or $30 in pennies, but the great Coinstar demigod at the local Duane Reede drug store clinked away for seven minutes, eventually counting it it at $124.47, and then bestowing said quantity in the form of a Starbucks gift card.

Sometimes change is a good thing.

(Hmmm.... I have some sisters and nieces and nephews in Cleveland who like Starbucks, no?)

Cleveland Bound

2008-05-12T16:55:00.007-04:00

I'm not just talking about it this time. After 10 years in New York, I am taking a job with Penton Media and moving back to Ohio. My last day in the city is Memorial day, Monday, May 26th 2008.

So now it's time to say goodbye to all the best friends I've ever had -- and could ever hope for -- and reconnect with a family I hardly know. If only it were possible to be in both places at once.

I HATE goodbyes. Every time I think about leaving, I start to get teary eyed. But, honestly, with two weeks to go, there's no time for that.

Anyone have any boxes?

Updates, and That Which I Find Hysterical

2008-04-29T12:41:00.007-04:00

Sorry for the pause in posts lately -- I'm busy catching up on life in general, spending lots of time at the gym, successfully giving up the internet (yay), and drinking coffee (foo! -- but kind of a "yay" foo).

In the mean time, please enjoy another video from Ohio. This, my friends, is comedy:

Base Egg / Egg Ball

2008-04-22T21:03:00.002-04:00

From my trip to Ohio this past weekend, call it "base-egg", call it "egg ball", or call it a mess. This was the big fun my brethren and I enjoyed after my sister Carolyn's annual Easter egg hunt.

Keep your eye on the egg, Alan.

Tax Day

2008-04-17T16:39:00.002-04:00

On April 15th, New Yorkers celebrated one of their most beloved holidays... and I was there.

Squeaky Shoes

2008-04-09T23:40:00.004-04:00

Enough griping about money! 'Cause now, for only $19.99, you too can be the owner of these fabulous shoes!

Available at your local K-Mart.

(Really though, they're quite embarrassing.)

(Especially at work.)

(And even more so on a date.)

(Alas, if I only had one of those...)

(Though I can't help but wonder, if those squeaks are my shoes talking, what might they be saying?)

(Hmmm...)

(This is why I don't have a date.)

(*sigh*)

I Borked My Taxes

2008-04-09T13:48:00.004-04:00

Just out of debt and *bah* $500 owed in taxes! (Due to a 2006 deduction error).

But hey -- there's money in the bank to cover it, and I'm keeping out of debt. I'm just not going to be rich any time soon. :)

Oatmeal anyone?

Why I Should NEVER Clean My Room

2008-04-01T16:22:00.002-04:00

With good intentions that my mother would be proud of, I cleaned my room, spit spot. But alas, all was not well...

Score!!!!!!!

2008-03-26T09:47:00.004-04:00

I got 20 Cadbury Cream Eggs at 50% off at Duane Reade! Well, now 19. I love post-Easter. Too bad it only happens once a year.

Pillows and Feathers

2008-03-22T22:13:00.003-04:00

While my love affair with New York City may have ended years ago, it still has its moments. Today was one of them: the third annual pillow fight in Union Square.

Goodbye Internet, Goodbye Coffee

2008-03-17T11:31:00.005-04:00

In order to move forward, you must give up the things that hold you back. And so I have given up internet access (at home) and caffeine (anywhere). It's been almost two weeks since I returned my cable box to Time Warner, and now, having gone through the worste of my internet withdrawal, I find myself with a great deal more time and focus. However, it's only been a couple days since giving up coffee, and my body is screaming.

Can anybody recommend something warm, smooth and nurturing (other than herbal tea) to replace my coffee?

Free at last!

2008-03-14T19:41:00.010-04:00

Drum roll, please.

With my latest pay check from work, I am totally -- meaning 100% -- debt free.

My years of living in a box, eating oatmeal for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and refusing to shop anywhere other than K-mart for clothes have finally culminated in a zero balance on my Bank of America credit card. That's right, all $12,500 of my debt is gone. This, accompanied by a decent paying job, means I am no longer facing a distant light at the end of a murky financial tunnel, but basking in it, in all my monetarily solvent, zero obligation glory. I am free.

But I can't help but wonder: Now what?

Do I spend? Do I save? Do I move? Do I buy new clothes? Do I take a trip? Do I eat something other than oatmeal? Do I paint my walls?

Here I am. For the first time in my life I can aim for a middle class life. But to be honest, I don't know if I can, or if I even want to.... I've grown rather fond of oatmeal.

Why I Lost at Boggle

2008-03-08T11:28:00.001-05:00

I love board games. I love Boggle. I love winning at Boggle. I hate losing. I hate losing especially when I have clearly won. Some dictionaries suck.

Ikea Adventure

2008-03-03T23:23:00.003-05:00

After living in New York for nearly ten years, I finally made my first trip ever to Ikea a week and a half ago. This video documents the events that occurred.

Caramel Rocket Adventure...

2008-02-04T14:11:00.001-05:00

Just in case you're wondering what Oatmeal I had today. I must say, the bounty of the corporate fridge is endless.

Watermelon Pop Rock Oatmeal

2008-02-01T12:46:00.000-05:00

Okay, we're going to pretend for a moment that I didn't break my not-eating-out diet two days ago (when I bought a mother of a burrito from Taco Express down the block) and continue with the pure delights of cash saving oatmeal.

For today's recipe, I found some strawberry syrup in our company fridge, as well as some unprotected Pop Rocks on Rody's desk, and, well, a new, very pink, epic oatmeal was born.

And even the oatmeal, I might add, was quite enthusiastic.

Oh, and pardon the beard -- I'll shave tomorrow, I promise.

Banana Oatmeal with Essence of Green Tea

2008-01-30T12:26:00.000-05:00

It's not bad. If only it were actually green.

Peanut-Butter Chocolate Oatmeal

2008-01-29T17:55:00.000-05:00

As of a week and a half ago, I went on a new diet. It's called the "Tim needs to pay off the last of his debt so he can't eat out anymore (except on Sundays)" diet. The rules are simple: except on Sundays, I can only eat what I prepare myself.

While this sounds like a good idea, as I spend almost double my rent each month in food, it is complicated by the following:

1. I do not cook.
2. I do not go to supermarkets.
3. I have no dishware (not even ustensils) in my apartment.
4. Even if i did cook or go to supermarkets or have dishware, my apartment currently has no means of heating or refridgeration.

Now, while this might cause most ordinary folk to surrender, I -- as my friends will attest -- am incredibly stubborn, and will do anything to prove a point.

Okay, so I did make one compromise: to get me started, a week and a half ago, my friend Patrick in Inwood dragged me to the local A&P. There I procured two loaves of whole wheat bread, a large jar of organic peanut butter, and a two pound bag of 1-minute quick cook Rosa Maria brand Oates (which has a picture of a really cute bear with a red ribbon saying "Desde tu mesa a la mia sirve Rosa Maria!").
This, supplemented by 50 cent hard boiled eggs and coffee from the deli below my apartment has provided all my sustinence ever since. I've already saved over a hundred dollars, and significantly reduced my BMI (not that that's desirable).

Anyway, now that my supply of bread has been depleated, I'm left primarily with a half full bag of oates which I cook in our company microwave for breakfast and lunch.

And so, for lunch today, I energized my oatmeal with two packs of spenda, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, a big slab of fudge topping and redi whip (the latter two were raided from our company fridge). Isn't it beautiful?

Hmmm... how about a new Oatmeal recipe every day for the rest of the week?

Stay tuned...

Hats, Green Eggs and Antrhoposophomy

2008-01-27T23:51:00.000-05:00

"The Internet is Broken"

2008-01-07T15:20:00.000-05:00

As you may know, I do tech support for a marketing firm, and today, like many other days, I got a support request stating, "The Internet is Broken." So I got to thinking, what if the Internet really was broken? Would that be so bad?

No more overdose of Google News, ebay, and awfulplasticsurgery.com. No more IMing until 3 a.m. No more gadgets allowing me to feed our internet addictions as we walk down the street. And instead of the global bits of information triggering endless dopamine release, there might only be the here and now with books and wind and chatting with friends.

That might be kind of nice.

Tim's Apartment & YouTube Foray

2008-01-07T03:09:00.000-05:00

So, I'm making my foray into video blogging, and what better way than to show you all my beloved box in NYC. And, after watching the video myself, I can finally see why some of you have likened me to a chihuahua. *sigh*

Boxes

2008-01-01T15:59:00.001-05:00

I went home for the Holidays, and as a favor to my mother, I began to go through the boxes of stuff I had left with her over the years. And, while in my current life I save nothing, leaving little trace of my existence in New York, in my previous one I saved everything. Handwritten journals, in which I poured my heartbreaks over the guys I had dated. Photographs of my teen years, during which I remember feeling so much, but never realized how physically diminutive I was. Old scripts, poorly written, but innocent and honest. College essays in which I sounded impassioned and intelligent.

Everything was so intense -- passionate, bitter, hopeful, awakening -- making my life now feel comparatively still. And, it made me think, maybe it's time to shake things up a little.

Grey

2007-12-21T03:27:00.001-05:00

I have grey hairs! Where did they come from!? In front, on the side, they're pecking in everywhere... Not good. Not good at all... Nobody better bring this up when I go home for the holidays.

Technorati Tags hair

Vanilla

2007-12-20T19:18:00.001-05:00

When I was a kid, vanilla was boring, the plain flavor, for the boring unadventurous in life. Mothers and grandmothers always got vanilla.

But I've been eating the leftover holiday party gelato cubes in our company freezer, and I've found that between chocolate and vanilla, I now prefer vanilla. It seems, all these years, I've been wrong: Vanilla is not plain. It is rich and textured, and sometimes you can even taste the grit of the bean.

Vanilla, I think, is like wine, a pleasure that blooms late in life, and is best enjoyed by those over the age of 30.

A River Runs Through Me...

2007-12-17T22:24:00.001-05:00

...it's called coffee.

Why I Don't Like Parties

2007-12-17T22:13:00.001-05:00

When you go to parties, you have to mingle. And when you mingle, you have to talk to people. And, when the conversation is over, you're stuck with that awkward moment of how to end things, because you really can't say, "Okay, I'm done talking to you now."

I presume this happens to everyone, though it happens especially to me. (Perhaps most notably a 1996 university fund raiser in Dayton, Ohio, when I got sandwiched between the mini wiener dog tray and Martin Sheen. Who knew we had so little in common?)

And so, in these situations, one of you must do what you've been taught never to do: lie. Just a small one, like, "pardon me while I get some more chardonnay" or "excuse me while I use the restroom". And, if you feel as guilty and nervous as I do about lying, sometimes you actually go to the restroom, even if you don't need to, as if you can make the lie not a lie.

Of course, if you're really paranoid, you get too scared to even tell the lie. Your hands get clammy, your heart races, you grow faint, and you try to buy yourself time to think, by asking the lamest questions about the making of Apocalypse Now (which you've never actually seen), belaboring a conversation both of you know ought to have ended a minute and a half ago. Martin of course can handle such situations -- that's his forte as an actor. But you... you die, right there at the party, in excruciating pain, every single time.

Sadly, unless there's divine intervention, there's really no good way out. Someone awkwardly leaves and someone is awkwardly left, or, worse, you spend the whole night together having rehearsed conversations about your travels abroad, Hillary Clinton and medical insurance. (Martin, you'll be glad to hear, was saved from me by an adoring fan.)

But I have to ask, why go to parties? Why be filled with awkwardness, when you can have coffee at Starbucks with a friend who knows you for all your neuroses, and with whom the pauses are not awkward but quaint? Why speak of nothing with strangers, when you already have the dorkiest, coolest friends in New York, with whom you can have a Sunday brunch and play Boggle? These are things I much prefer.

A Lot To Be Thankful For

2007-11-23T12:34:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was one of my favorite Thanksgivings ever. While I didn't make it back to my family Ohio (read long, unpleasant Greyhound bus ride), I spent it with my second family here in New York (aka the brunch crew). How many people are lucky enough to have two families?

But instead of writing all about it, I decided to document it with my first ever YouTube video. For now (until I get everyone's approval), the video is marked as private, meaning you'll need a user name and password to view it, but email me, and I'll send the login info your way.

The Color Orange

2007-10-21T11:55:00.001-04:00

The color orange is beautiful... maybe when it comes to fruit!
but for fashion
orange and I do not cohabitate
not in clothes, not in accessories, not in any shape or form
(skin tones, it's all about skin tones)

so why does my hair
always turn orange
when I try to dye it?

even when multiple clerks at Ricky's swear to me it will indeed look blonde,
it never does
it always looks orange
Crayola orange
Tropicana Premium

so i tried again today
and my hair is orange again
this time like a nectarine
dang it
i just spent $18.50 tip on good haircut too
i see myself in the mirror
i feel embarrassed, ashamed
taken in by the color orange

so I regain my composure
and run to Duane Reed and buy some clippers
here go go...

now i sit
with orange hair all around my feet
and my head is so bald
I look like a monk
and I feel like I should be wearing orange robes like the Dalai Lama

Hand-me Down Heaven Hand-me Down Heaven Hand Me Down Heaven

2007-10-21T11:53:00.000-04:00

So I have a friend -- I'll call him Mr. O -- who likes me to visit him and his boyfriend in Chinatown, try on all sorts of previously worn clothing, and then take home over $100 of said merchandise. He refuses all compensation (except bubble tea), and when I ask him where all this clothing has come from -- as it is clearly not all his -- he says, "It's really better that you don't know."

Should I be worried?

I tried to shave my head today...

2007-10-14T19:02:00.001-04:00

It was impulsive, really, grabbing my clippers as I looked at my mop-top in the mirror. I go through this every now and then. I dream of growing luscious bangs that are all rico suave, but invariably my hair gets to a length at which it stops being agreeable, conforming to neither gel nor spray as it dangles around my head in its own frizzy form. Eventually, I get so fed up with it, something snaps, and I just want it gone, all gone... (Well, buzzed, not gone.)

But alas, my attempt was foiled. The clippers, apparently, had rusted together and did nothing as I ran them through my hair. *sigh* The mop-top lives to see another another day.

The Air Mattress vs. the Bean Bag

2007-10-09T12:36:00.001-04:00

My friends have been laughing at me for sleeping on a bean bag for the past six months. They ask how I can do that -- I don't know, I just curl up and do.

But finally, I figured with a clean room, it was time, so I went to Bed Bath and Beyond and bought a new mattress -- a very expensive, plush, and easy to clean," Durasuade" (the guy at the store swore it wasn't *real* suede) air mattress. And they aren't kidding where it says on the box it inflates in under sixty seconds. It sounded like a hoover! Man that was fun.

Well, I threw it on my loft, and after figuring out how to get up to my loft (my ladder/step shevling is gone, and it required some midnight acrobatics during which I may have inadvertently mooned the people across the alley -- which would explain their incessant giggling) -- I had my first night's sleep on a mattress in months.

But, for all the money I spent, I woke up in the middle of the night longing for the body conforming beads of my bean bag, and soon retreated to the bean bag down below.

What can I say? There's nothing so comfy and conforming as a bean bag.

The Colors of My Room Part 1

2007-10-08T23:30:00.000-04:00

With my beauitful new faux wood floor, it's time to paint the walls. I'm going with Earth tones -- let me know your thoughts (praise, disdain) for this color scheme.

Like a Phoenix Rising from the Ashes My Room is Liveable Again

2007-10-08T23:29:00.000-04:00

For the first time, I feel like I'm able to live, really live in my apartment. I've gotten rid of half the stuff in my room and put in a gorgeous new faux wood floor. Now -- even in my 7 1/2' x 11' box, I have room to sit, room to stand, and room to pace. On top of that, it is clean -- no dust, no dander -- just beautiful clean floor.

In the Tabernacle

2007-10-07T21:50:00.000-04:00

Today I saw the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. They rocked. What else can I say? They just rocked!

So long, Raleigh SC-200

2007-10-06T13:18:00.001-04:00

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful bike,
My Raleigh SC-200,
So long, farewell.
Being packed in a box to be shipped far away
I shall miss you.

The parting is sad, but it's long past due.
My life has changed -
You see, you no longer fit in my room.
And seriously, when was the last time
I rode you?
I now ride my portable, foldable Dahon.

You ought to be loved, not sitting stale.
You ought to be gliding on streets and paths lined with trees.
Rushing in the wind.
And you can do that, I believe you can.

So in a box you go.
To South Carolina.
It will be a long journey, but when you come out -
You will be ridden with joy, nearly every day.
And you will be happy,
Even if you can't see it now.

Animal Cracker Mystery

2007-10-06T11:08:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, as I munched away on vending machine animal crackers at work, I was disturbed to find the following cracker:

What disturbed me was the fact that I didn't know what it was. It wasn't one of those mutant crackers, mangled in the baking process -- this cracker was perfectly shaped, every edge clearly as intended. So what was it? Was it an elephant? But what elephant has a trunk shorter and thicker than its legs? Was it an anteater? An aardvark? I thought maybe a gorilla leaning forward with his second back leg hidden, or a pig turning it head to look backwards.

Eventually a coworker found the answer for me on Wikipedia, but I'll leave that for you to find, after you venture your own guess as to what it is.

Double decker

2007-09-22T13:13:00.000-04:00

Sitting in the cold rain on the top tier of a tour bus in the
village ... Berry!

No good can come of this.

2007-09-20T22:26:00.001-04:00

A mouse had been hiding in my laundry pile. I found him today,
flattened. I've meant them no harm, but death has still come. No
good can come of this.

The mice are decidedly less trusting of my presence, ducking away as
I near.

What my company says about me...

2007-09-20T13:53:00.002-04:00

The Birthday Brigade continues -- the wonderful folks at Renegade (my job) put this out in a company wide e-mail. I think this is one of the funniest things I have ever read.

Don't Leave Your Computer in Direct Sunlight
IT hero brings solutions, smiles to work every day

NEW YORK, New York--This morning was not unlike many mornings in the bustling neighborhood of Chelsea, known for its numerous galleries, restaurants, and IT needs. But there is something about this Thursday that sets it apart from every other day of the week; every other day of the year, in fact.

Today, Renegade's technical whiz kid, Tim Nevits, celebrates his birthday.

From his start at Renegade Mr. Nevits has been treasured by all its employees. Adam Uhrynowski, a member of the New Business team at Renegade, describes Tim as "the glue on the balsa wood airplane that is Renegade."

With his cheerful attitude, Nevits brings sunshine into any IT situation. Whether it is saving Renegade when the internet collapses or acclimating its employees with a new program, he does it all with a smile.

"By being the nicest person any of us have ever met, Tim is single handedly debunking the myth that all IT people [like at all other companies] have to be surly and indifferent," says Justin Feinstein, a copywriter at Renegade. Angela Wagner, the receptionist and billing coordinator at Renegade, adds, "Tim never makes you feel stupid for asking stupid questions."

Lead Developer Robert Mitchell shares a similar awe of Nevits. "Renegade is fortunate to have Tim," says Mitchell. "He is an indispensables part of the Renegade team."

It is with this great appreciation and respect that the staff of Renegade wishes Mr. Nevits the sincerest of happy birthdays.

It's amazing how many people remember...

2007-09-20T11:29:00.000-04:00

It's amazing how many people remember your birthday. Each IM, email, phone call, personal greeting and card really let you know that people are thinking about you, and remember you.

Though, in a way, that makes me feel horrible. Because me, I never remember anyone's birthday. I don't send cards (or flash based e-cards), or buy presents, or even make the requisite phone calls. Heck, people are lucky if I show up to their birthday parties (and not accidentally sleep through my flight -- you know who you are). It's not malicious or anything, I'm just not organized like that.

But, in fairness, I expect the same in return. Yes, it's true -- I expect and want people to forget my birthday. And I do my best to help. I don't send out reminders or plan parties. I don't ask for gifts. I do it all, so people can just forget it and let it slide -- Even-Steven, Yin and Yang, there is a balance within the force, you know? But without fail, my annual deception fails, and my friends and family inundate me with their well wishes, and it's always "Drats! foiled again!"

So to all my friends and family out there: thank you. Thank you for remembering me, even when I haven't remembered you. Thank you for forgiving my faults and being, well, my friends and family.

And for those of you who are reading this and saying, "dangit, I totally forgot," well, hey that's *totally* cool - the force is strong within you. :)

All gone...

2007-09-19T12:59:00.000-04:00

I've eaten the chocolates, every last one. Now I have that "not-so-fresh-after-chocolate" feeling...

Mom Say's I'm "over the hill", Chocolates & Dastardly's Gaze

2007-09-19T00:59:00.001-04:00

Today I got a birthday card from my mother, that joked "At your age..." implying an over-the hill sentiment. I am that old that old already that my mother can joke about it? I also got a plethora of birthday (and "thank you for tutoring") gifts from Yuka, including two awesome Japanese t-shirts and the most exquisite French chocolates I've ever eaten (the box is already half gone.) I hope I can make the chocolates last until my official birthday on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the mice who have been sneaking about my apartment seem to have taken up a more permanent, less covert residence. Until last week, they used to only come out when I was away or when they *thought* I was sleeping. But last weekend, I was secretly watching one from the seclusion of my bean bag -- Dastardly I think it was -- when he suddenly became aware that I was watching him. But instead of running away as mice usually do, he returned the gaze, looking me right in the eye, edging closer and closer with intense curiosity. It was if as, for a moment, that he realized I might just be another feeling, breathing, sentient being. And then the moment passed, and he went chirping and scampering up the spokes of my bicycle wheel as if I weren't there.

Since that moment, the mice seem to have made a collective realization: that I'm a big wuss. And they're taking advantage of it. They sit next to me while I work on my computer, lazily stroll past as I talk my phone, and even crawl under my outstretched legs to scavenge for raisins as I rest. (Though I must admit this is not the first time I've been taken advantage of by a collective of
animals -- buzz -- but that's another story.)

I'm going to try to think of a humane solution for this problem, but for tonight I'm going to sleep, clutching a half full box of gourmet chocolates for safe keeping.

Breakfast Cart

2007-09-18T09:47:00.000-04:00

Everyday 2 eggs and cheese on a whole wheat bagel and a tropicana oj from the breakfast cart at 16th & 8th. The guys there know me now.

nybrunch.com

2007-09-18T01:05:00.001-04:00

With my site gone plain, the brunch site can now be found here:

http://www.nybrunch.com.

Who's joining us in Inwood this Sunday?

New Site

2007-09-17T22:04:00.001-04:00

I'm trying a new, clean 1-page look to my site. Let me know what you think...

Sacrifice of the Bean Bag

2007-09-14T23:45:00.000-04:00

I spent a good part of the evening dumping the contents of one bean bag into another, leaving one overly plum, and the other, shriveled and empty. My floor, meanwhile, is covered in snowy white polystyrene beads. The mice don't know what to make of it.