Balance Sheet

Ok, I really thought 2008 was going to turn itself into a nice, well-mannered year. This is its final notice. We will have a throw down! Or show off. Or whatever phrase is in vogue at the time being.

Firstly, quit making me ill each time I have significant time off of work. This flu thing sucks. Secondly, re-arrange America's insurance mechanisms so that I am not drowning in debt even though I have insurance. Thirdly, NEW JOB.

That rant out of the way, just a brief update for the few people who read this blog. The Katzen Gallery is hiring, and I am significantly excited. I hope I get the job--insurance, better pay, and free schooling, too. Who could say no? Now I just have to cross my fingers.

Speaking of classes, AU's lit program in the fall. Acclaimed admittance, as they said. I foresee good things.

Starbucks is still slowly sucking out my soul and making me an angry person. I need to not let it do that to me.

I am actually still in a relationship that seems stable and healthy. Almost two years. Mark that on the calendar.

Incredibly excited to be going to Ohio--though admittedly a little frightened that I'll get pneumonia or an aneurism. I got five days off last week and am now sick with the flu. Back in February I had 5 days off to visit schools and got appendicitis. I'll have four days off in May...cross your fingers. I think I see a causal relationship. *wink*

I finished reading Where Monsoons Cry by Lalita Noronha and was a little disappointed. Stylistically she is a fine writer, but I felt that many of her characters were too similar, and they all fell just a little flat for me. But it was a nice, easy read, and it did make me think about a couple of things--the nature of writing, multiculturalism, etc--so it was good.

And that's about it. The pros really do balance out the cons, now that I write it out. I am such a lucky girl.

Nyotaimori

Also known as body sushi. Nyotaimori actually means 'woman's body presentation', not body sushi, but body sushi fits better into English vernacular. Apparently this is an old Japanese custom, though it is not popular today. There are a few places that perform (is that the verb I want?) nyotaimori, but not many. I don't know how to feel about the idea of eating sushi and sashimi off the body of a women--and I certainly don't know if it is art. Nevertheless, I kind of want to make my own judgment, so it's probably off to Cafe Japone or Geisha Sushi bar for me. Assuming I can find either of those places. I hear they both do it.

The Incongruities of Media

This video delights me for several reasons. First, it utilizes new media, which is awesome. Second, it highlights the incongruities of representation in media. I've been beating my head against the wall about the absolute unfairness of the capitalist nature of media, and I've finally found a decent expression of my thoughts (with a pro-Middle East peace talks message at the end).

Of course, this video is still media, and could very well contain most of the faults of more traditional media. It certainly has a bias--it is an activist video. However, I think that generally activists do more thorough research than other media outlets. At least, the honest ones do.