Damn, Sarah Palin Gets More Play Than Me. Not Cool.

Last night a friend and I killed an entire bottle of wine while trying to figure out the effects of Mercury going into retrograde on our dating lives. We discussed men, women, relationships, dating, sex and starting over, with such query and determination for a solution it was as if we were solving our country's economic crisis. We came to the conclusion that after X number of boyfriends, boos and papis later, we know absolutely nothing about men, dating or relationships. We convened to let the "Universe and Stars" deal with it.

As I rode the train home, I thought back to my last date. It was with a 6'6 musician from the midwest nearly two months ago! Geez, I really need to get out more or as my friend like to say, "my 'G' levels are low." LOL. But it's all good, the "universe and stars will take care of it."

I began to read the paper when I came across an article that made me laugh. It was piece on Sarah Palin and her Foreign Policy tutorial. Below is an excerpt from the article which captures the exchange of the first meeting of Palin and Asif Ali Zardari, the new presdient of Pakistan and Sherry Rehman, the Pakistan information minister.

• “I am honored to meet you,” Ms. Palin said.

• “You are even more gorgeous than you are on the (inaudible),” Mr. Zardari said.

• “You are so nice,” Ms. Palin replied. “Thank you.”

• “Now I know why the whole of America is crazy about you,” Mr. Zardari continued. At which point an aide told the two to shake hands.

• “I’m supposed to pose again,” Ms. Palin said.
  

• “If he’s insisting,” Mr. Zardari said, “I might hug.”
  

• Earlier, Sherry Rehman, the Pakistani information minister, had welcomed Ms. Palin. “Busy on the campaign trail?” she asked the governor.
  
• “Yes, yes,” Ms. Palin replied.

• “How does one keep looking that good?” Ms. Rehman asked.
  

• “Oh, oh, thank you,” the governor replied.

I laughed more so out of disbelief and shock at the blatant sexist remarks by world leaders!! There is so much to deconstruct here; gender and equality, culture, sex and power. The list can go on and on, but instead of dissecting these social constructs I thought, "Damn, Sarah Palin is getting more play than me!" Wow my G levels must really be low! Not cool!

Am I Being Selfish?

Am I being selfish for....

• wanting to spend my Sundays ALONE watching football and reading the NY Sunday Times


• not picking up my phone when it rings because ( a) i know the person on the other line really has nothing to say or discuss, but will find something to complain about, (b) or I rather finish reading my book or paper, (c) or I just don't want to speak with anyone


• preferring to spend my free time sitting in a cafe reading, writing, researching aka googling anything, running or biking, than at someone's house catching up. I WOULD, however, prefer to catch up with them over coffee at a cafe, while I'm taking a break from working the activities mentioned above


• not returning a text message because I know the other person will likely want to meet up and talk about all the bad shit in their life


• not wanting to chat it up in the office on Monday mornings or Friday afternoons about my weekend/plans for the weekend - OK maybe this is me just hating office bantar.
  

A friend recently said, " You're always busy and never have time to hang out." The funny thing is that I don't necessarily feel busy, but I know always have something to do. Sounds like an oxymoron, but it's true. I don't like spending my free time doing nothing - at home watching TV, except if it's football on Sundays or Monday nights. I love going out for dinner and drinks with friends, but I'm trying to be much more budget conscious, given these tough economic times. I know what you're gonna say, " It doesn't cost much to make dinner at home and buy a bottle a wine." And I totally agree! However, when I get into my solitude groove it's hard for me to get back into the social responsibility of maintaining friendships.

The truth is friendships are hard work! It's a full-time job that can really fill up my social calendar. Dinner with Jen on Monday, Obama fundraiser event hosted by Michael on Wednesday, drinks with Maria on Thursday, bday party for Lisa on Friday night and brunch with Julie on Saturday. And that's only knocks out 4 people off my long list of friends. I also have to include meetings for networking purposes - meet with professor from Hunter afterwork, panel discussion on state of education, or dinner with recruiter from X company. It's just a lot for someone who prefers to be alone.

But you know what?! Life is all about balance and I think I am being selfish. I appreciate my friend who called me out on "always being busy." I recognize that I need keep up with my friendships, especially those that have been critical to my spiritual and emotional development.

Soooo...Thank you for calling me out! Oh I know, maybe my friends can come over and watch football on Sundays! Some beer, chips and catch up during half time! LOL..... kidding, just kidding.