Reading minds...

Don't you sometimes wish that people could read your mind? That you didn't have to say, they just knew? I've been feeling like that for the last few days...hoping someone would notice that I needed to be asked. And then I realized how futile it is, especially across states or oceans or even vast tracts of Manhattan. But you know how you get caught up in being happy and not really acknowledging how you might feel? It's hard to snap out of it and ask for a hug.

Question: how long is 16 days? Too long? Or so short, it'll fly by? I'm hoping for the second. You don't need to know what I'm going on about -- just tell me it'll fly by. And my smile will reach my eyes again.

Prada and Gucci and Choos....oh my!

You know that thing people often say about the business world -- that everyone notices shoes and bags? I used to think it was a bunch of superficial crock and that while there would always be the brand-conscious who raise their eyebrows at anything less than Manolos (Devil Wears Prada, anyone?), most people didn't focus on your ability to accessorize. Well, I think I overestimated there. Because...ummm... it turns out, that's the first thing even I notice.

I was at a conference this week of minority women who hold senior positions in Corporate America. Walking around the reception area, I could hardly get my eyes to move beyond their feet and hands -- Vuitton, Chanel, Fendi, D&G, Prada, Gucci, Armani, Hermes... name a designer and he/she was represented in full force. Bags and shoes. I didn't even notice the suits.

That's not to say everyone always judges you on brand. I'd assume that most employers would know that a young 20-something just beginning a career couldn't afford to arrive at an interview with an Hermes bag (that takes 6 months to get) hanging off her arm. It's just about presentation -- nice shoes and a nice bag, label or not -- just no scuffs.

I'm glad I'm not the sort of person who needs $700 shoes. But, man, is it fun to watch them walking around!

My Walter Cronkite

I will always remember July 14th 2006 as the day Riz Khan gave me a hug. Sigh, happiness. And I don't mean just because he looks like he does and is charming and suave and uberintelligent (though, those things don't hurt!). But because he is one of the best, most important journalists of my lifetime. He is my Walter Cronkite -- and he knows it!

Grace... and disgrace

There's a lot to be said about grace in sports. I've been pretty impressed through the World Cup. While there have been several little skirmishes, nothing utterly unpleasant happened -- until today. What was Zidane thinking??

It's so unbelievably disappointing. I've never liked Les Bleus, but Zidane was different... had so much respect for him. And I can't imagine what made him end his amazing career in such a disgraceful way. Honestly, what could Materazzi have possibly said that warranted that viscious headbutt? And no matter what he said, Zidane should know better than to lose his cool like that.

He showed grace in so many other situations this World Cup -- especially with Figo during the Portugal match (I was so disappointed they lost, but couldn't hate Zidane because I thought he was incredibly sportsman-like). So I don't get it. What happened to the grace?

After all, it is just a game. An amazing, passionate, all-consuming game. But still, just a game.

And then there was light...

I've finally discovered the thing that brings people together -- people of all ages, races, personalities, cliques, sexual orientation, gender... fireworks. Seriously. The display over the East River tonight was just spectacular. We all stood, mouths open wide, applauding, oohing and aahing (if I hadn't been so distracted by the pretty lights, I would have laughed at the heavily tattooed, muscle man who oohed right alongside the little girl in a stroller)... who would have thought a bunch of pretty multi-colored lights could keep your attention for a whole 1/2 hour. I felt like a little girl again. But, I think, no matter how old I am fireworks will always be just... mesmerizing.

Happy 4th of July. It's been quite a day.