Frommer's Travel Photo Contest

Since all of my 2010 travel photos were taken with a sub-par camera, my own, and overtly amateur hands, my own, I bow my head in respect for those who went to make memories prepared. Frommer's Travel Photo Contest has a slide show of the Winner and Runner-Ups. My favorite is the Runner Up, which might have been third place below. There's something about a lazy, wild, Alaskan Grizzly Bear napping like a puppy that I can't not coo at.

Time's Top 10's of '10

Time put together a great list of a slew of Top Ten's for 2010. At least, I think. I can't judge. I have decided that instead of lightly scanning this list, and chuckling or wiping away tear of remembrance, I am going to study it in depth, and do research. Why, you may ask? So that in 15 years from now, when I'm sitting around a table with friends playing Trivial Pursuit of the late 2000's, I will maybe have a slight, almost insignificant inkling to lean in the direction of not-the-worst-answer possible. It's all about realistic expectations.

Here's THE List.

And in an effort to save face, I knew about the Volcano (I was there), and Breaking Bad (Awesome), and bedbugs, because my life is cloaked in fear commuting publicly into the infested playground for disease that is New York City.

Marriage Without Divorce?

A long time ago, I decided that my generation wouldn't experience divorce en mass anywhere near as much as my parent's generation did.

This is what I do: Make over arching political and socioeconomic decisions that I have zero control or influence over in my own head.

And contrary to my personal arguments for my opinion, the track records of those around me, in my generation, speak to the opposite of my opinion. Keep in mind, these preconceived notions on everlasting love were created and determined and decided upon when I was probably 12 years old. Sitting in my room, singing along to some Toni Braxton, knowing that if Michael Douglas' wife in Fatal Attraction could forgive him, then marriage without divorce would be real for my generation. Maybe Fatal Attraction isn't the best place to learn about weighty issues like: Rabbits are edible, or Opera lovers are not of sound mind. Or is it?

I always thought how when my parent's generation made irrational decisions jumping into marriage, it was because they could. Arranged marriages and abstinence and dating and young adulthood and independence were words and phrases that were re-defined. And as they continue to be defined, I was sure that we would be able to see what worked, and what definitely did not work, and to make smart, permanent decisions. It just seems like those decisions are defined differently from person to person. I have friends happily married, for now, but more of them are either happily or unhappily divorced. And a few of them are sticking it out Old School: staying unhappily married.

But those people, these examples, all thought marriage was a next step, the way to go, the only option or their best one. What is more interesting is listening to the social echo of the unmarried. I have a good friend of mine, as single and unattached as a person could be, and

Stephanie Coontz agrees with me!

A Daily Dose of Hilarious

I want to have a fight with a crazy cyber entity! The Blogess Fights For Electric Cash. I do have a little "Logic" arguing with me from time to time, though.

Me: "I wish I napped from 6 to 11 last night."

Oudom: "Tough heart needed to push forward. I envy the spirit of the yak."

So, naturally, I understand your pain and enjoyment, Miss Bloggess!

Snapshot

Sometimes, when I get annoyed that the guy downstairs won't ever bring our shared garbage cans or recycling cans (that he personally fills about 90 percent) out to the curb, I need to reach out for some perspective. Looking at notes I took pictures of in my old apartment building's elevator always does the trick.

Also, in a two apartment house, anonymous notes get traced back to the author really fast...

Quote Of The Day

Me: “I’m in NY right now.”

Maureen: “I wish I was in NYC right now.”

Me: “I’m in Monsey.”

Maureen: “You have fun with that.”

Snapshot

On today, the day of my friend D's birthday, I honor her dog, Corky. This jumpy, rodent chasing, skunk killing, snuggly Jack Russell whom you cannot touch a ball in front of unless you are prepared for three hours of fetch or severe barking is the cutest Jack Russell I have ever met. He was also Marley's first "love."

Quote Of The Day

Me: “I think I am going to head over to visit him in an hour, even though I look like 'Night of the Living Dead.'”

Jordan: “So you look like 'Everyday Aly.'”

Snapshot

I call this: Absolut Bling. A few square mirror pieces really add interest to even your darkest, dreariest bar.

Quote Of The Day

Me: “I went to bed at 5:30 am because Harry Potter is a drug and he is taking over my life.”

Jordan: “Those damn Lord Of The Rings really get to you.”

Snapshot

Sometimes you can find love even down by your feet if you're looking hard enough.

Quote Of The Day

Julia: "My boyfriend just texted me, saying that he’s waiting across the street. What a creeper.”

Snapshot

Even in the Lord's Valley, there's a McDonald's. You cannot escape!

Quote Of The Day

Carrie: “You’re so ticklish.”

Tristan: “Yeah, ‘cuz it’s nighttime. Duh.”

Snapshot

Even with more white hair sprouting each week, Marley still has (mostly) a puppy face. It's gotten her out of some trouble in the past, and last week, and last night. and no dog needs it more.

Quote Of The Day

Alex: “Keith will rib you down, he will burn you down like an old house.”

Snapshot

This made me feel a little bit better about spending so much money on my teeth these past 16 months.

Quote Of The Day

Richard: “It’s shocking to me how the Hudson River acts as a complete divide between the informed and the utterly clueless.”

Scented Bubbles

Having never been especially coordinated, and not one especially tolerant of the heat, my favorite outdoor summer activities have revolved around pools, reading, pools and occasionally, bubble blowing and chalk drawing. Things that wouldn't work up a sweat, basically. And while I may not be overtly skilled in the various ways to play with bubbles, I still purchase them and play with my friends kids whenever I see a bottle. One of life's inexpensive pleasures. Unless you shop at Bergdorf's. COME ON, people! Perfumed designer bubbles at $18 a bottle before taxes? I'd wince as each bubble popped in the air, wasted.

Just seeing THIS made me wince a little, that's all. I have so many suggestions for the extra $17.50 people with too much money in their wallets are wasting on these bottles. For instance, save up a few bottles' worth and see a psychotherapist. Or, I don't know, donate money.

Snapshot

Finally saw this, after owning it for a good eight months. Worth the wait.