An "arctic blast"

That's what the weather channel's been calling it. Temperatures are hitting all kinds of record lows. Right now, it's -14 degrees C (about 7 degrees F) thanks to the wind chill factor. Not pleased at all. Was all layered up today because I'd made lunch plans last week, before this "blast" was predicted. But I forgot my hat and in about 10 minutes I couldn't feel my ears. Makes you wonder about living in this part of the world.

After lunch, I went to the salon and the guy at the front desk asked me where I'd live if I had 10 million dollars. I told him, on some island somewhere where it's always warm. How about family and friends, he asked. Hey, I said, if I had 10 million dollars, I could fly them all out just on the interest.

Though, when I think about it more, with that kind of money, it doesn't really matter where you live because you can buy comfort and luxury 24/7 anywhere (almost).

Then again, a whole lot less than that keeps you pretty warm in your little apartment, as I am now. Which always makes me think about the homeless. I can't imagine it's a great situation at any point, but it's criminal in the winter. And I know just saying it seems futile, but it's a necessary thing to acknowledge. Because often we forget that, though million-less, we're still incredibly fortunate.

It's a good thing I'm an optimist

From Reuters, today (my emphasis):

NEW YORK, Jan 18 (Reuters) - Time Warner Inc.'s Time Inc. publishing division said on Thursday it will cut 289 jobs as part of realignment of its business to invest more heavily in the Internet.

The owner of Time and People magazine will cut 117 jobs from its business divisions and 172 jobs from editorial.

Eighty-six editorial employees agreed to buyouts and 86 editorial employees were laid off, a Time Inc. sopkeswoman said.

Where did the week go?

I'm in list-making mode -- not because that's what I'm like, but because it seems like the only way to catch up. For a writer, I've been most unwriterly. And this is my penance. To write in bullets rather than prose.

Things that annoyed me this week:
- The Indian Consulate in New York (How are we one of the fastest developing countries when the overseas "gateways to India" are so shabby?)
- Them (Yes, she's beautiful but please.)

Things that pleased me this week:
- A fashion exhibit at the Met (Sigh, sigh... to own so much couture! If only. Oh and I'm a Valentino girl.)
- My ubersuccessful spiced beef cornbread cobbler (Am going to become domestic goddess as promised in my New Year's resolutions!)
- Mellow wine bars (Prosecco -- yummy!) with adorable mascots (Yes you, Buckwheat!)

Randomness this week:
- Realizing what a small world it is on opening night of "Guru" (it was.. okay. I just love AB2; not so much his taste.)
- Realizing, again (and again and again...) that Bangalore is a small, small pond.

Belated new year reflections

First post of 2007 -- and it's nearly 10 days into the new year. I think it's just taken this long to sink in that another year has already passed. And although I'm not one for resolutions, the end of a year -- and especially one as eventful as this last one -- warrants some reflecting. So, here it is.

3 Things I Achieved in 2006:
- Completed a Masters degree
- Began healing an important relationship
- Got published a handful of times and my name on mastheads of 2 different publications

4 Things I Learned in 2006:
- That networking is an essential life skill
- That it's better to ask rather than assume
- That things do happen when you don't expect them to
- That chasing dreams is worth it

5 Things I Want in 2007:
- My dream job
- More opportunities for travel
- To be known as an awesome cook! :)
- More shoes
- More love

On a more serious note, 2006 was one of the most difficult years I've had in my not-so-long life. And perhaps I'm stronger for it. So, I guess the 6th thing I want for 2007 is that the people I love stay in good health. So... you know, stop smoking, people.

And a resolution I'd like to make and stick by (fingers crossed): stay in better touch with my friends and family. I've had a lot of distractions and a lot of good excuses for letting it slide. But hey, we're none of us that overwhelmed by life, are we? So, I guess I also want better time management skills for 2007.

Ok. So. Happy New Year.