Category Archives: Good intentions

If there is a bright side…

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Hello friends,

Recently it has been harder to find the words.

My next scan and oncology appointment loom. It’s nerve-wracking.

And I have been feeling, literally feeling, so much about the Inauguration. My jaw aches from clenching my teeth. My neck hurts to move, and my head feels like it weighs too much to lift sometimes.

I try to relax, thinking back to my beautiful vacation. But it’s hard. What lies ahead? I am worried.

You bet I marched.

If there’s a bright side, it includes this: wonderful feminist, progressive arts and entrepreneurs to get them in our hands. I’m shopping and supporting.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOsSW48Amcy/?taken-by=rashida_coleman_hale

I belatedly bought a pink pussy hat from Feminist Wrath.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPESrDRBPQr/?taken-by=feminist_wrath

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These puppies made the long trip from Jeju Island to Brooklyn

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My friends at PS9 Pets in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (more about them here) are hosting a special event on Saturday to help find homes for puppies rescued from becoming food.

The pups – and their mums – are extraordinarily cute. Pics here.

 

I hate to miss it but I’ll be visiting Mom back home in the Scranton area.

Do you want to see Hamilton?

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I have a pair of tickets to the most popular show on Broadway and I’d like to give* them to you.

ham-fb

Details here.

You’re probably wondering why I’d give up my tickets. In the interest of full disclosure, I have a pair of nosebleed seats for a November show so don’t feel too bad for me.

But more importantly, I knew having an asset like Hamilton tickets would allow me to do something special in memory of my Dad (more about him here).

And if you don’t win, you can always buy some Hamilton swag for enjoyment at home.

Bidding ends 8/24/16. Bid early, bid often, bid now! SOLD! Thank you so much for your support.

*In exchange for a winning bid on ebay. This is a fundraiser for science, after all.

The big letdown

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I approached Sunday’s arrival with nerves but excitement. Why? Because I told my friends at PS9 Pets that I would take Serge home with me on a foster-to-adopt basis.

20160527_165443After a few days, I would then see how my allergies did and how I felt about the responsibility of having a pet. Growing up, I never had a pet–unless you count tropical fish where were mostly cared for by Dad. Continue reading →

Kitten therapy

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I take a deep breath as I open the door.

“Will they think I’m a creep?” I worry. Jeez, I hope not.

Because I’m going in anyway.

“Careful,” I think. “Don’t push the door too hard or too wide.”

I can see that today there are a few little ones running free, drinking from a fountain and playing with toys.

Here I am again at PS9 Pets, a store in my neighborhood that also finds homes for cats and kittens.

cat tux

I’m not stopping in to get a pet. Or to buy supplies for a pet I don’t have.

I’m just here to look at sleeping kittens and playing kittens. I’ll take pics of the lil cuties and show them to my friends who might take one home.

cat black

And if someone suggests it, YES I WILL CUDDLE A KITTEN. Because this is my therapy: kitten therapy.

I’ve been really sad of late, and for obvious, real reasons. I miss my dad.

Right now, the sweetness of a kitten trumps my allergies. And it’s preferable to crying.

If anyone from PS9 reads this, thank you for tolerating me.

My fancy $6 manicure

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Staci and I met in new employee orientation. She was about to start work as a marketing assistant for the magazine. I would be the newest advertising sales assistant, joining a team of twelve. In the beginning, I envied Staci–the other women (and they were all women) in my position were a few years older than me and I found their existing friendships intimidating.

Plus I looked goofy like this:

Me

Staci and I were the low women on the totem pole, just weeks removed from college graduation.

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My roommate met Brandon from Humans of New York

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My roommate Katie recently spotted Brandon Stanton, creator of Humans of New York in Chelsea. I was excited for her, impressed that she spotted him and a little jealous to boot.

“Did you ever see the pics from the time you spotted the Humans of New York guy?” I asked my roommate Katie.

“Uh, yeah. It was the one with the young girl coming to New York to meet the 55 year old guy she met on a BDSM site,” Katie said.

“Noooooo!”

Alas, yes.

“I interrupted an awkward conversation,” she added. “Brandon was awesome and we hugged.”

I love HONY, as it’s known, for its ability to remind me of the breadth of the human experience. And I’m not alone: HONY has 12.5 million Facebook fans, 2.7 million Instagram followers and two successful books (with another one on its way this fall).

But I do wish Katie had been able to meet Brandon on this day instead!

This adorable pic is the property of Humans of New York

This adorable pic is the property of Humans of New York

 

 

Today is #GivingTuesday

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There’s #BlackFriday and #SmallBusinessSaturday. I find #CyberMonday particularly enjoyable, but let’s talk about the really important day: #GivingTuesday.

Particularly after my snarky post yesterday.

But I do have a heart and today I’m reminding you what’s in it.

First, Kenya. I think of those beautiful kids I met in July every single day.

Jen kids crop

 

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I lost a friend

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We were sitting at the bar at Palena, my friend Joanne and me, when the couple arrived. Most likely, I was drinking one of Derek‘s sidecars while deciding what to order to eat. I probably had Chef Frank Ruta’s fantastic burger.

Sidecar

A man and a woman came to stand behind us at our end of the bar. I think I sighed and gave Joanne a look to say “oh great, people crowding us while we try to enjoy our dinner and girl talk.” Continue reading →

Something to think about

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Happy Friday, friends.

As you head off to start your weekend, consider these words:

youarenotyourworstthing

I read the words “you are not your worst thing” in a recent New York Times Social Qs answer by Philip Galanes – in which he paraphrased the terrific show, Masters of Sex – and I thought that was a lovely sentiment to keep in mind.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.