rachelpink rides the bus

Leap Day

It's leap day, so I don't think it counts.

Reading in Action

In Glut, I read about the Roman memory practice called the Method of Loci. I'll bet you've heard of it. It's a way of memorizing long lists by placing the objects comprising the list in a room or rooms in your mind.

So here's what I did. I needed to pick up soap, hair dye, and toothpaste from CVS. Not a long list, but it's the small lists that ruin me. If I didn't write it down, I'd definitely forget one of the 3 things. And sure, I could have pulled out some paper and a pen--but the subway was elbow-to-elbow crowded. Instead, I put the objects in a room. I imagined a huge pile of soap bars sitting on our couch. Then, astride the soap, I imagined Cupcake the kitty dying her hair. And while she dyed it, she brushed her teeth.

15 minutes later I checked off the items as I mentally walked my way through the scene. I knew I wasn't missing anything, and every time I pictured the cat on the soap with the hair dye and a toothbrush I laughed.

Try it next time you need to pick up brownie mix, marshmallow fluff, and Nesquick.

Meg is a Star!!

Set your DVRs--my friend Meg will be crafting with Martha Stewart tomorrow! Meg is on to promote the gorgeous book she edited--Sock and Glove. You can see a quick preview here.

Funniest SNL Commerial Parody Ever in the Universe

Another Damn Hat

Made myself a hat. Finished it tonight. I've been wanting to use that button for ages. It's a blue resin flower and oh so cute.

OK, OK, but this all brings me to a question. Am I just doing too much lately? Reading 100 books, making stuff, volunteering, cleaning, working like a nut. . . all that and I'm still not getting enough done. I'm not going to the gym. Oy.

Anyway, I think the hat is cute, even if I have a goofy air about me in the picture.

Training Day

I spent my day at Barnard College learning more about New York Cares. It was the annual Team Leader Conference, and I thought it would be a good thing to do since I'm a brand-spanking new team leader.

There were so many cool, neat-o people there--too many to count. And I'm even more inspired to volunteer as many hours as I can. Next week I'll try out a new computer-training project in my neighborhood. AND--the big news? I signed up as a team leader for Hands-On New York Day on April 12th.  Kids, I need people for my team! You don't need to do anything but sign up for team Unicorn Chasers. I'll take care of the rest. I need to recruit 10 people. It will be fun--did I mention that??

Library-palooza

Here's what I picked up today at my lovely local library:
The Long Tail
Take the Cannoli
Get Back in the Box
The Wisdom of Crowds

With the exception of Cannoli, these books were all recommended at TOC, the nerdy awesome publishing conference I attended last week. Me hungry for nerdiness! Hungry hungry!

Oh

I think my train hit a person tonight. There was an abrupt stop that rattled the car. Then an announcement: Everyone walk to the front of the train. We did. On the platform a mix of curious riders, cops, and MTA folks swarmed. A little later came the firemen and then, a paramedic with a stretcher. Still, it's hard to figure out what happened. The Gothamist news map says that someone was under a train at Queens Plaza at 8. If they're right, then yeah, I was in a train that hit someone. That's a creepy weird feeling.

UPDATE: My suspicions were correct--the train did hit a man. He's in serious condition. You can read about it in the Times.

Funny

We're watching a show on The History Channel about the history of jokes. It's extra-interesting having just finished Steve Martin's bio about his stand-up years.

We've been chuckling here and there, but Brian Posehn KILLED me with this line: I look like a bunch of farts put on a man costume and decided to go to a restaurant. Oh Brian Posehn, that's silly. 

Robin Williams, my idol back in the stand-up comedy camp days, is atrocious. Unfunny and pretentious and making me uncomfortable. George Carlin rocks, and Lewis Black is doing a so-so hosting job. Wish there was more Penn and Teller.

Anyhow, after 5 straight hours of Law and Order, I'm grateful Chuck found a show without murder.

A Sunday Wedding

Chuck's good friend Rachel got married yesterday, and I was delighted to attend in my new $20 sparkly black dress. Rachel looked so pretty and happy. We had a great table with Chuck's friends (even Kenny and Julee! they came in from L.A.), the food was outstanding, and the band had two trombones, an accordian, a clarinet and more. At one point I was sucked into the center circle of the horah and couldn't get out. This was, surprisingly, the first Jewish wedding. The service was so lovely--great rabbi, and I loved the whole shebang. Rachel's 5-yr. old nephew gave the cutest toast in the universe. Seriously, it was a moment of complete brilliance--and I wish I could remember the whole thing. At one point he said (echoing an earlier toast)--"From baby to toddler, from toddler to kid, from kid to adult. . . . it goes by so fast." Rock star.

A great big congrats to Rachel and Ivan!