The Last Time the Dow Closed this Low...

The Dow closed yesterday at its lowest level since May 7, 1997. Back then,

- I had just moved into my new (blue) house in Westport, CT.
- Alana Davis' 32 Flavors was on repeat in my boombox.
- I had successfully had my dream guy ask me out and then dump me on our first date (at the movies).
- I was stressing over being Bedford Middle School's President.
- I had some rockin' clear braces.
- and glasses.
- I was just returning from the Honor Society trip to Washington, DC where I was in a BBQ rib eating contest with all the boys (and won). Sad...
- I had an online journal on Geocities.
- I had never tasted beer.
- I wanted to go to William & Mary for college since I thought it would be awesome to go to school while ppl around you were all dressed up in historical costumes.

You’re Still on My “We’re not Cool” List

I was so freaking excited when I got the mail yesterday. Let me (in just a few words) explain what it’s been like trying to get my security deposit back from my landlord: LIVING HELL.

I moved out of my previous dwelling on the UES in mid-October. Since then, I’ve waited patiently while my landlord ignored my calls and emails, tried to bamboozle me saying that I never gave her a deposit, told me that I lived in the apartment for an extra month (not true) and a whole other gamut of time wasting tactics.

Needless to say, after 127 days of persistence (including two letters threatening to go to small claims, 14 emails and a dozen phone calls,) I finally got a portion of my security deposit back. And look, she even sent me a note with the check:



Now here’s the thing. Since the fall, my landlord, a little old lady who lives in UN Plaza (she’s filthy rich), has become this mythical monster. I’ve spoken about her and her nasty tactics to friends/family, dreamed about her demise, and imagined picketing in front of her doorman palace for my measly money back.

How am I supposed to keep this woman on my ‘wicked witch’ list when she sends me that note?! I mean, it’s a sympathy trifecta:
- Old lady writing/misspelling mea culpa
- Puppies
- She gives $ to a seeing eye dog foundation (see header)

I mean, the first time I saw the note, even I let out a little “aw.” NO FAIR!!!

Dear Landlord,

You put me through hell. You made me wait, and hope, and wait, and prepare a legal defense all to get my money back. I appreciate your apology, on sympathy paper, but you’re not getting off my ‘we’re not cool’ list THAT easily.

Just so you know…

25 Things

So the chain email has progressed from email to facebook. After being tagged in two of my friend's '25 things about me' note, I wanted to do one of my own. Oddly, I had a hard time writing the first 10 or so and then it was easy. So, w/o further ado, here's 20 of my 25 things about me you might have not known...


(1) I am a die-hard alumna – in general. I love (and still do work for) both my college (IU) and my sorority (Pi Beta Phi). Ironically, my volunteer work for my college let’s me interact with my high school, which I am also a proud alum (go Staples High!).

(2) I still believe that I am one of the most normal children of divorce in the continental US.

(3) I have a fear of people running behind me. If I hear someone running behind me, I usually stop and look at them or, if I can’t stop, you’ll immediately see me grimace with fear.

(4) I dream of moving to a random city in the US, but fear how quickly I would become bored once I left the NYC area.

(5) I fear becoming a ‘townie’ in Westport (where I was raised), but wish nothing more than living there as an adult.

(6) I once consumed 23 ozs of Jim Beam in one sitting (and lived to tell the tale). Needless to say, it was NOT responsible behavior and I don’t condone ANYONE doing similarly.

(7) I want a dog so badly but refuse to get one until after I leave NYC.

(8) I love low-brow amusements (e.g.- theme parks, monster truck rallies). The better the chance of seeing a mullet in its natural habitat, the more fun I’m having.

(9) I made a pact with myself to become a Zagat-of-sorts for restaurants and bars in Manhattan. I think I’ve done a pretty good job…

(10) I’m terrible at talking on the phone. Most women can talk for hours. For some reason, I get antsy after 20 minutes. I’m much better in person…

(11) I always thought I would be a great news anchor. I don’t know why I didn’t follow that dream.

(12) I have the best little sister in the world. We argue and bicker, but my love for her is more real and true than anything I can put into words.

(13) I CRINGE when people don’t spell simple words properly even in IM conversations.

(14) As a child I always wished I had a nickname. As an adult, I appreciate that there’s only one way to say my name.

(15) I was almost named Justine. Luckily my parents came to their senses before I arrived. (I don’t think I’m a Justine)

(16) My grandmother bought me a ‘My Buddy’ when I was a little girl because I had an uncanny resemblance to the boy doll. I still think it’s mildly tragic that my family openly agreed that I looked liked a little boy.

(17) I consider myself a GREAT driver. I miss having a car at my disposal to putz around town in.

(18) I do some of my best thinking and centering on the walk to and from work. I find peace in the everyday noises you hear when walking around the city. This is why I don’t wear an iPod.

(19) I LOVE musicals. When I’m in a terrible mood, I lock myself in a room and play some of my favorites. Within 20 minutes, I’m feeling much better.

(20) I used to sing the National Anthem at my High School’s football games. People tell me now what a terrible singer I am. I wonder whether I was terrible in high school and no one wanted to hurt my feelings so they just let me sing every week. YIKES…