Holiday Spirit

The stores have been decorated since Halloween; the radio has been playing Christmas music since before Thanksgiving. I have tried my hardest to resist being in "holiday mode" up until the other day, when I finally decided to embrace it.

Once I decided I was ready, all of the lights started to look pretty and the music even made me feel sentimental (well, except for that Mariah Carey Christmas song).

I have had a few conversations lthis past week with friends and family about various hardships and tragedies people have experienced as of late. This year hasn't been easy for a lot of people, myself included at times. I lost my grandma, and my friend Chad unexpectedly. It feels sad celebrating the holidays without them here.

On the other hand, I have begun to put things in perspective, and realize all that I have to be grateful for this holiday season. I have wonderful parents, and a loving brother who care very much about me. I have friends that constantly make me laugh and smile, but also stand by when I need someone to listen. I have a great new job helping people, who truly appreciate anyone who can help them along the way.

Take a minute and appreciate how much you really have this holiday season - the tangibles, the intangibles. Try to make someone else's holiday season a little brighter, whether it's a phone call, a card, or just a little something that says you care.

And to all of my friends - you mean the world to me. I miss all of you every day that I don't see you.

Happy Holidays!

I hate you, Silo Sushi Man

There is a cafe just a few doors down from my office, called Silo. I eat there practically every day, because it's a short walk (on days like today when the wind chill is 3 degrees) and they have all kinds of food.

A few days ago, I went to order sushi and the one man who makes it, had wandered away from his station. I asked the man at the station next to him (the bimibab station) where he was. He didn't respond. After 15 minutes, I gave up and ordered the worst $9 salad I have ever had. As soon as I ordered the salad, he returned.

Yesterday, I went back and saw him at his station. I placed my order, and he yelled back at me, "NO RICE!" So sushi was out yesterday. I instead ate fruit for lunch.

Today was the last straw. I stood there for ten minutes, while he crafted California rolls and blatantly ignored me. Finally, he looked up at me, signalling he was ready for me to place my order.

"Two shrimp, two yellowtail, two tuna"

His reply, "NO YELLOWTAIL!"

"Okay, I'll have four shrimp and two tuna"

Again, "NO SHRIMP!"

I am not playing this game with you, Sushi Nazi at Silo. I hate you.

Thank God this is New York City and I am sure there is another overpriced sushi place just feet away...

Older businessmen are complete tools

Older businessmen are complete tools. I believe in the accuracy of this statement, because I encounter them throughout the day. I should have said that not all are this way (I work with plenty of decent, friendly, respectable older men), but the overwhelming majority of them simply bother me.

I find it funny when they are on their cellphones, speaking so loudly that everyone could hear them. Most of the time I don't think there is even another person on the other line - they just like to look "important" as they discuss "business". It's even worse when they yell at someone on the other end "Mary! Why didn't that Fed Ex make it on time? What is the Seattle office going to do?"

Like I care, when you're holding up the line in Starbucks.

I spend three hours on the train each day. In the morning I usually sleep, so that doesn't count. In the evening, however, I usually listen to my ipod to tune people out and read a magazine or book. I forgot to charge my ipod last night, and had no option but to inadvertently listen to my fellow commuters.

On my second train this evening, I sat behind two older businessmen. They were flipping through a golf magazine and engaging in a spirited conversation about their hot, young assistants.

Businesstool #1 - "You should see my new assistant. She's right out of college, so hot. You should see the way she looks at me."

Businesstool #2 - (smiles smarmy at his tool of a friend, chuckles) "I have two assistants. I'd bring them home and show them a good time next time my wife's away!"

I was so grossed out by this exchange. They are so completely delusional to think that their assistants want them. And that is why businessmen (the older ones, especially) are total tools.

I need to be next to the person Jayme was near last week on the train when she texted me "Only on the train - this guy is making sexy talk w his woman and asking her to wear something w easy access and no damn jeans". Those are the people who entertain us when we commute.