Tomorrow is Christmas Eve

With less than two weeks left in China I just have to say… this trip has far exceeded my expectations on so many levels.  First, I’m so very thankful to share this with my sister and my niece.  Hangin’ with a 10 year old for an entire month is entertaining, flowing with giggles and eye opening in the best possible way.  Second, I feel enriched by the people I’ve met along the way and I feel loved, even more, by the people I’ve known all along.  Third, being surrounded by other adventurous world travelers makes me realize how short life is, how big the world is and how right my decisions have been.  If you feel stale, stagnant or bored it’s a sign.  Do something.  Make a change.  Make change happen.  I’m sad to miss my parents on Christmas morning but I’m looking forward the possibilities that lie ahead. Happy Holidays from China!

Behind the Scenes in Beijing

the original posse

Meredith (10), Joey (26), me (31), Laura (41) and Nancy (71)

the apartment

Building 4, Floor 12, Room G. We have two (and a half) bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area, a dining area, a kitchen and a patio which we don’t use mainly because it’s cold.

the washing machine

Cute, compact and confusing. There are no dryers in the entire country so there’s laundry hanging everywhere, always.  Our jeans are crunchy and our towels are stiff.  Everyone lives like this.  We’re getting used to it.  It’s fine.

the toilets

Pretty modern for the most part.  Luckily we’ve only had one squat-box experience so far.  Meredith was not a fan.

the language

“Meredith, can you tell him we want to go to the store for fruit.”

… and that about sums it up.

the pollution

Some days are worse than others.  The mystical haze around the sun is beautiful in the strangest way. What’s not beautiful is the grimy film on the cars and the occasional stench of burnt dirt.  The photo below was taken around 3pm.  It’s intense.  Recycle and buy a hybrid.

the people

TEDFellow and 30 year-old film-maker Bristol Baughan joined us for a few dinners and a trip to the Great Wall.  Check out Bristol's latest film Racing Dreams.  Everyone enjoyed her company but our Lisa Loeb karaoke duet over a few beers really sealed the deal. 

the internet

Skype calls with family have been great but the connection is particularly slow in the evenings. (example shown below) 

the food

Incredible.  Lucky for us Joey has great taste and we are all a bunch of foodies. We recently got to experience a traditional 3 hour lunch in a small smoky room in an old part of town.  I sipped on Chinese vodka, some sweet cherry wine and a foreign beer all before 3pm.  We had fluffy dumplings, spicy mushrooms, grilled beans, sliced potatoes, saucy beef, and chilled shrimp for lunch and crispy watermelon with cherry tomatoes for dessert.  On the street we see the occasional candied fruit-on-a-stick alongside some sheep penis.  We’ve taken one or two breaks from dining out and we actually ordered some delivery. It’s true.

the weather

Freezing.  Mild.  Cold.  Brisk.  Sunny.  It varies.

the laughing

Just doesn’t stop.

Power of the Crowd

Beijing is blowing my mind.  I can’t wait to tell you all about it but first I need to spread the word about my long-time friend, accomplished artist, host-with-the-most and 26 year old trailblazer Joey Ellis.

Originally from Auburn NY, Joey has been working as an artist in Beijing since 2005.  He was recently awarded TEDGlobal 2010 Fellow*.  By definition he’s a world-changer who has shown unusual accomplishment and exceptional courage.  Other Fellows include Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Jamie Oliver and Al Gore.

He’s been commissioned by organizations such as Greenpeace and Bank of America. His work has been featured in The Wall street Journal, Time Magazine and just recently Newsweek.  He’s been profiled by The New York Times as one of the leading international artists working in China.

It gets cooler.

Joey is a diver and is passionate about coral reef restoration**.  He is spearheading a global movement that will ultimately redefine the way we think about these diverse ecosystems and he’s starting with the reefs along China's coastlines. 

His plan:

• Partner with top marine biologists in Beijing to translate an international database of coral reef publications.

• Produce animated and well-designed awareness campaigns.

• Visit the three major cities along the coastline creating local art programs to introduce solution-based awareness.

• Work on a BIOROCK*** coral reef structure in Hainan.

Joey and his crew need $11,000 for funding and, because he’s always up for a challenge, he’s decided to limit the fundraising timeframe to one month.  There are 23 days to go.  This project will only be funded if at least $11,000 is pledged by Wednesday Jan 5^th.   In other words... your credit card will not be charged unless the goal is reached in full. 

$1 will help and spreading the word will help even more.  Visit Kung-Fu for Coral Health to contribute, read more about the project and watch the power of a crowd change the world.

*TED (Technology Entertainment and Design) is a global set of conferences was formed in 1984 to disseminate “Ideas Worth Spreading”.

** Coral reefs are home to 25% of all marine species, they are very fragile and they are under serious threat from climate change, blast fishing and much more.

*** Biorock accelerates coral growth and resistance to stressful environments.

24A

Spring break of senior year three of my girlfriends and I toured the northeast to snowboard. When we hit Okemo Mountain I felt the urge to purchase a souvenir.  It was a red fleece blanket.  Many of you know this blanket well, probably too well.  For those of you who aren’t as familiar let’s just say I’ve become one with the thing. Throughout college I would wrap that sucker around my waist and wander the halls of Buckham and Chittenden and I’m sure it made an appearance or two on Church Street.  It fit nicely over my JNCO’s and looked great with my furry slippers, it was perfect.  Now it’s loaded with holes, campfire burns, loose threads and a small tear and it currently sits folded on my bed at my parent’s house.  It’s comforting, warm and has a home in some of my favorite memories.

Today I boarded the 747 from New York to Tokyo and I was in for a real treat.  While hunting for 24A I noticed a small package placed on each individual seat.  It was a white pillow and, you guessed it, red fleece blankets for everyone!!  True story.  I couldn’t get the clear plastic wrap off quick enough.  It wasn't mine but it felt just as good.  Once I set up camp I took a look around and I’m talkin’ hundreds of people were wrapped in red fleece blankets.  This is my kind of plane, I thought.  As if I wasn’t already in my glory I reached into the seat-back pocket and pulled out a SKY magazine featuring Shaun White on the cover.  I look to my right and there he is again... and again and again.  A sea of snuggly red fleece surrounds me and Shaun White is staring at me from every direction.  I now know how to define my heaven.  Thank you Delta.

Those 13 hours and 29 minutes were a breeze.  I’m posting this from the Tokyo –Narita airport and will soon jump on yet another plane to my final destination.  You can add my blog address to your Google reader for updates.

Bedtime Foiled

Why is my house always one of the three hundred to lose power? I know, I know! It’s because we live in the middle of NOWHERE. Wind storms, they usually do the trick. I recently spent a night home alone and here’s what happened…

My flight from Tennessee landed around 10:30pm and I drove home alone to an empty house. By the time I pulled in the garage it was about midnight and I was exhausted. After setting the security system I lugged my suitcase up the stairs and by 12:15am I was fast asleep.

This is where it gets exciting.

2:49am:  Bug-eyed, I jump out of bed to the insanely loud sound of an alarm.  Immediately I assume the noise is coming from the security system and, in my mind, someone has broken in.  Total chaos.  I reach for my bedroom light and flick the switch, nothing.  The power went out.  It’s pitch fu**ing black.

My cell phone is on the nightstand next to my car keys.  I grab them both knocking a few books to the floor.  There’s a remote on the keychain that controls the security system.  I use my cell phone to light the controller and next to the panic button is off - I push it.

The.

Piercing.

Noise.

Won’t.

Stop.

Riddled with pure fear I head out of my bedroom and feel my way around the corner to the armoire in the hallway.  A moment of mild joy runs through me as I grab the flashlight off the shelf… I’m about to be rescued from the darkness.  I turn it on.  The weak hint of light coming from the cheap plastic tube is hardly helpful. At it’s brightest moment it has a dull, flickering glow.  Hugging my shitty flashlight I head downstairs and make my way to the security box.  I enter the code, disarm the system but the noise just won’t stop.  And it's really loud.

It sure took me a while but this is the moment when I realize it’s not the security system, no.  It's just all eight smoke alarms going absolutely bonkers.  Trembling with shock I maneuver to the closest room and try to disarm one of the alarms.  I’m officially hopeless.  

Left with no other choice I decide to call 911.  Naturally the only working phone is all the way back upstairs and the quintessential horror movie question pops into my head “WHY did she go back upstairs?”  Well, I had no other choice.

It’s a bad situation and the 911 Operator said the one thing that could actually make matters worse: Get out of the house.

The closest streetlight is miles away, it's darker than dark, it's pouring rain but I simply can’t ignore the suggestion to exit the premises.  I've got it!  I'm gonna get in the car and wait in the driveway!

Of course the car is in the garage behind the garage door that is powered by electricity.  FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, WHY?!  Squeezing the cheap flashlight in my armpit I disconnect the automatic garage cables and with a slight bend of my knees I lift the heavy door.

Realizing I just opened the gates of hell I immediately dart for the car and lock myself as quickly as possible.  My heart is pounding, pounding, pounding as I back out into the driveway.

I wait, shivering. 

Finally I see a sign of true hope. Bright lights spin out of the darkness and are headed in my direction.  Three burly men reeking of stale fire greet me at my car and continue on into the house.  The four of us shuffle through the dark, mammoth home with walkie-talkies and all I can focus on is my envy for their extra bright flashlights.  

Note to self:  Go to Lowe’s.

4:08am: The house is hazard-free and my fire heroes fix the alarms.  Silence.

---------

Something tells me I’ll be happy to be in a big city again.  Beijing, I’m on my way with open arms.

Kingston made me love country music.

Twelve of my closest family members met in Kingston, Tennessee for five incredible days of card playing, country music, homemade pies, mountain views, zip lining and laughing … like never before.  It was the perfect Thanksgiving.  

I'm headed home to New York and I’m belly up to the bar at Legal Sea Food’s in the Philly airport.  The last time I was here I remember feeling homesick for the East Coast as I waited for my flight to O'hare.  I just wanted to stay put.  When I left Chicago I couldn’t wait to enjoy Legal Sea Food’s outside of this airport and preferably in Boston next to several of my good friends. Well, I never made it to Boston. After spending almost three months in my hometown I feel grounded, refreshed and ready for another new adventure.  My next stop is Beijing, China and I leave in ten days. 

I often get asked what I plan to do upon my return and the truth is I haven’t got a clue.  Everything seems to fall into place as it should so, for now, I’m simply going to focus on this life-changing month-long journey.

I’m outa here and I’m bringing some country music with me.

The Duck Hunt

Bonfires on Burtis Point always lead to cozy storytelling, new ideas, loads of laughter and most likely a hangover. B, T and Maggie... at it again. It's been a while since the three of us were together. Back in the day our adventures involved booze-cruising, fireworks, failed attempts at cow tipping and the occasional trip to the emergency room. It was a much needed mini-reunion (minus a few key people of course). T built a big fire and there we were, on the beach, just like old times.

We eventaually got on the topic of hunting. It's not exactly a rare topic these days. Between deer season and duck season this town is flooded with camouflage and crafty contraptions like this one:

I'm fascinated. Why all the hype? All the preparation? This is serious business and I want in. B, T and I made a duck hunting date and I was finally going to fulfill my new dream.

When my alarm clock went off at 5:15am this morning I realized it was really happening and it was really early. My mom was kind enough to pull out my dad's old hunting clothes and naturally I chose the one-piece full body camo jumper. Wooden duck call in the pocket = Valuable hidden treasure. I threw my jumper in the car and flung the duck call around my neck. It was on.

I arrived at B's at 6am sharp. As I pulled up I noticed some flashlight action on the beach and my toes started to wiggle with excitement. T greeted me, in camo, with a box full of Tim Hortons donuts. I hate mornings... but I liked this one. Enter buzzkill: Another group of hunters had taken over our territory. We were out a duck blind and we didn't have a backup plan.

A hunting blind is a cover device for hunters, designed to reduce the chance of detection.

B made coffee,  the three of us took a seat around the box of donuts and that's where we sat for the next two and a half hours. Comical? Yes. We had a good view of the decoy party on the beach several yards away and T opened the windows so we wouldn't miss out on any incoming action. The ducks were few and far between today and apparently the weather was to blame. I did get to witness a goose execution and because it made me physically ill I really felt like a participant. Close to 9am we all agreed to hang up the big guns and call it a day. The unworn camo jumper went back in the car and I was off. A great morning spent with old friends. That priceless adventure is what life's all about.

Hungry Monster

When you live in a small town you have a limited variety of just about everything. My food options are unsatisfactory and it’s starting to hurt (a little more than a little). There are a handful of restaurants I actually enjoy and they consist of American, Italian and Japanese fare. To be honest, I’ve just about had it with every one of them. If I eat another Caesar salad with grilled shrimp my appetite may hit rock bottom. What do I really want? I want a chicken shawarma plate paired with some falafel and baklava. I drool for some channa masala, chicken tikka and cherry naan. What's it gonna take? I realize the solution to my culinary upset will involve another giant move or some more frequent trips to Ithaca, the Cuse and maybe even Buffalo. I'm up for the challenge and I will go the distance. Local-ish recommendations welcome.

Yep. Creepy.

I stumbled across this little guy today:

Scorpio (10/23-11/21)

November 9, 2010

When relationships end, that's not a failure. Whether personal or professional, the connection you have with someone is coming to a close, and it's for the best. You've been banging your head against the wall for a while now, and kudos to you for giving it your all; but when something just isn't working, it isn't working. No one is the bad guy in this scenario -- but both of you need to let go of this situation and seek your own solutions elsewhere.

My first thought after reading that: Yep.

My second thought: Creepy.

This post will most likely only make sense to those of you with a good idea of where I stand personally and professionally. To make it worth while for the rest of you ... check your horoscope at Yahoo Astrology. You might find it's equally as creepy and just as accurate as mine.

It was a sunny day in Auburn...

I took the CR-V through the car wash, swapped some movies at Blockbuster and I was on my way to Wal-Mart.  It felt like a field trip to some fun but historical landmark.  My memories of Wal-Mart go way back and I admit I was once a regular.  Pedicures, lip gloss, sweatpants... I would get it all in one spot and I was hooked.  Now that I'm back in town I decided to give my 'ole buddy a visit one-on-one. 

My Ray-Bans were sparkling, my windows were down and I was rockin' a little "Summerland" by Everclear to really set the mood.  As I pulled into the parking lot I was immediately overwhelmed by the stench of cigarette smoke.  I quickly rolled up my windows.   Now the music was way too loud and there was dirty air trapped in my car.  My moment was gone and it wasn't coming back. 

I inched around the parking lot, found my spot and planned my attack. The good vibes I remember were totally gone and I needed to get in and out quick.  I wanted three things: nail polish, a shower brush and hairspray.  The hot flash was in full effect as I made my way to the entrance.  My plastic shopping basket was tagged with a security sensor and that kinda caught me off guard but I was quickly back on track and headed toward the heath & beauty aisles.  As I grabbed my Wavy Navy blue nail polish I had a vision of myself standing somewhere else, anywhere else. 

All-in-all the mission was a success but the fear of making a background appearance on peopleofwalmart.com lingered for a little too long. I'm glad I went and I'm glad I left. 

Perfect Amount of Variation

A few weeks before leaving Chicago I made a playlist to ease me through the transition. It worked and I'm still hooked. If you're in the market I highly suggest pulling this together for yourself. It's new, old, soothing, encouraging and bright with the perfect amount of variation. Original order is recommended for best listening results.

1. Fresh Feeling - The Eels
2. Cath... - Death Cab for Cutie
3. Home - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
4. A Tune for Jack - Lemon Jelly
5. West Coast - Coconut Records
6. Pull My Heart Away - Jack Penate
7. The Stars Just Blink for Us - Say Hi to Your Mom
8. Mirando - Ratatat
9. Boy With a Coin - Iron & Wine
10. Bloodstream - Stateless
11. Chicago - Sufjan Stevens
12. Soon it Will Be Cold Enough to Build Fires - Emancipator
13. Osaka Loop Line - Discovery
14. Show Me What I'm Looking For - Carolina Liar

Enjoy.

What Is The Mixture of Life's Elixir?

It's Tuesday night, I'm sipping a cold Magic Hat #9 and I just made an Amy's Soy Cheese Pizza for dinner. What to write about? Honestly, I'm tired. I guess I'll tell you why... sound fun? Good.

Saturday morning I woke up at the crack of dawn, packed a small suitcase and drove two hours to Buffalo. Along the way I was berated by a NYS Thruway employee because my EasyPass wasn't working. This is when my mild wine hangover kicked in from the night before which was particularly annoying considering I only had 2 glasses. I made it, parked, hopped in my cousins car and we were our way to Ellicottville for their annual Fall Fest. Normally that drive takes a little over an hour but on this day it took over two. Luckily my cousin has an unconventional case of road rage which made the trip a blast. We got to our B&B, checked in, threw our stuff on the full-size bed and headed for the festival. After meeting my sister and her family for a late lunch at The Gin Mill we began the crawl --- Grey Goose, club soda, dancing, sweating, Johnny-on-the-spot, Miller Lite, singing, drunk girl accidentally shoves her finger up my nose, Jameson, swaying, laughing, Patron, getting attacked by a pricker bush and freezing --- The night ended with a perfect pulled pork sandwich and some cornbread shortly after 2am. Back at the B&B we encountered some girl fights, giggled about our adventures and I think we were sleeping by 4.
Total time in car: 5 hours

Sunday tried to begin at 9am and then again at 10am... then officially started at 11am when I popped a heavy dose of Motrin. We went to Holiday Valley to trek around the mountain for some fresh air and hangover relief. It was a success and by 3:30pm we were back in the car headed back to Buffalo. Two and a half hours later we arrived, I hopped in my car and continued home. I stopped along the way to get a slice of Sbarro and before I took my first bite it landed face down on the rug under my feet. If I hadn't been driving in my hiking boots I probably would have eaten it. I got home at 8:30.
Total time in car: 5 hours


I'm still not quite right and I'm hoping the Magic Hat will slip me into a deep, tranquil dream. Goodnight.

New city. New shoes.

I haven't been into many chic bars lately. I haven't been sipping cocktails while rockin' my 3.5" leopard print BCBG stilettos. And I certainly haven't been eating dinner in 3" purple suede ALDO peep-toe pumps. On the rare occasion I make it into town I'm usually hitting up one of the local watering holes where $2 gets you a mysterious shot concoction and for $3.50 you can have a semi-cold bottle of Miller Lite. For fear of olive-rot I have yet to order a martini but I imagine they would cost around $8 or $9.  Some of you may find this hard to believe but I've managed to embrace the flat. 

Here are a few of my faves:

1. Malandrino by ALDO

2. Maeble by Nine West

3. Cable Knit Bearpaw Boot aka the quintessential Auburn boot

Rest assured my shoe collection will not be going to sleep or to waste or to the back of my closet. I will forever make appearances in spicy high heels but if I'm grabbing groceries at Wegman's, or picking my niece up from swimming, I'll be sporting a pair of my new flats.

The ups win!

Living with the rents has it's ups and downs.
Here they are in no particular order.
Enjoy.

ups

1. unlimited use of the Chevy Equinox

2. coming home to the warmth and aroma of dinner

3. impromptu games of tennis with my dad 

4. knowing I'm only 2 hours away from the rest of my family

5. my daily trance in the steam shower

6. no bills!

7. correcting my mom's Ulrich-isms ... and for the record, Mom, it's basmati rice not balsamic rice

8. spontaneous trips to Kabuki

9. spending quality time with my wonderful, supportive and generous parents

10. the location - flawless views and rhythmic melodies of nature

downs

1. the location - unreliable satellite Internet and questionable water conditions

2. my dads 4am internal alarm clock

3. the sound of every door longing for WD-40

4. incessant movie commentary

5. my battle with early morning Q&A

Life's good. 

Sundays rule.

Sunday Rules:

1. Enjoy yourself
2. Appreciate new people
3. Savor good food
4. Drink something tasty
5. Use the word "snuggly" at least once

Every Sunday, make it good.
Thank you Newman family!

Change is Good

From Chicago, Illinois (Population 2,896,016) to Auburn, New York (Population 28,574).


Exactly one month ago today I drove a small Budget truck into Auburn NY with 28 boxes, 9 paintings, 6 bags, 2 bar stools and 1 floor lamp. That's pretty much everything I couldn't, or didn't want to, sell in Chicago. Now it all sits in my parents garage. My mom has to park out in the driveway and my dad likes to pile all sorts of fun stuff on top of my FRAGILE boxes.


I took this past month to rest, recharge and relax. The recovery period was crucial. After an exhausting final month in Chicago packing, posting, selling and sorting I was finally able to sleep. For the first couple of weeks I was out cold for 8+ hours at a time. It was heaven. Those were the days... I never heard my mother chattin' it up in her sleep on the other side of the wall and it didn't even phase me when my dad got up in the middle of the night wearing his very solid plantar fasciitis walking boot.


I've often thought of Alma Klein suggesting I start a blog. Alma is an amazing Creative Director at Arc Worldwide. She was a fantastic mentor, a great partner and she's a very entertaining blogger: www.marketingmommy.net. What better way to document this life altering transition?  I've clearly decided to give it shot. 


Anyway, I'm back. I'm home. I'm not sure how long I'll be here but stay tuned to see what happens next.