Merry day after Christmas!

Hi kids, Merry day after Christmas! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your families and friends and that you are recovering from any chocolate OD-ing you might have done yesterday (I'm still unsure as to whether or not I'll be able to move much today).
This Christmas was very different from most for me... there was a huge break in tradition on many levels and it wasn't a bad thing, but it sort of propelled me into the "oh ya, when you grow up things start to change" frame of mind. All things considered, I'm ready for change- I'm finally embracing it instead of crying about it. It took me 23 years to get here. But for instance, my parents re-did my entire room so that, ahem, "it can be a lovely guest room for me and then someday their grandkids can stay overnight." Hmmm.... I used to hate the thought of turning MY bedroom into a guest room but now that I am living on my own and doing a job I love, I'm OK with it. It makes sense and it has brought the end of an era but opened the door to the start of a new one that I am excited about.
On Christmas Eve, we went to the Congregational Church for an 11 pm mass instead of the 4 pm Catholic mass and pageant we normally attend. Tara's friend was playing the vibes and wanted us to come so we thought we'd give it a shot. It was really beautiful, actually... it was a very small group of people, we had a beautiful candlelight vigil, and there was a lot more singing and reflecting on the season instead of repetitive prayer and scripture reading. I would say it felt more "spiritual" in a sense.
Prior to actually being home for Christmas, I also realized that I was truly interested in giving over receiving this year. I think I was blessed with parents who taught me that lesson from a young age, but it doesn't mean that as a kid I didn't have stars in my eyes about presents. This year, though, I honestly didn't for a second think about things I might get... which is a little weird, because normally there's at least one thing you're sort of hoping for. No, this year, through my job, I felt like Santa everyday and was working towards granting wishes for babies who truly deserve it. When we put on the Wishathon at the Prudential Center and saw the outpouring of generosity from strangers who called in to make donations or stopped by our booth and wrote out huge checks, it made my heart feel really full and complete. People were doing what they could (some donating 2 dollars, other thousands) because they listened to the radio and heard about our mission and felt compelled to help. That is beautiful.
I also adopted a little family this year and was amazed to see how quickly friends agreed to help- there were literally boxes upon boxes of toys and clothes shipped to me apartment this past month and the look on this man's face when I gave him the bags of presents two nights ago was priceless. A) I am truly blessed to have some of the most caring, compassionate friends in my life and B) this man and his family didn't have to worry for once about where to turn at the holidays. THAT is the spirit and love of Christmas.
In other areas, I have had so many friends get married over the past few months and ones that are going to be getting married soon that it was interesting to think about what their Christmases would be like compared to mine. I'm still like a little girl, waking up in the bed I've woken up in every year since I was 7 years old and running downstairs where my dad and mom wait with a video camera and Christmas music playing. Some of my friends, however, are waking up next to this other person that they're sharing a life with now and are starting their own family traditions. They're splitting time between families and probably thinking about starting their own a few years down the road. That's exciting to me- it used to be scary but now I think, wow, how crazy... how crazy to feel so young sometimes but then to be talking about marriage and kids and whose house to go to for Christmas. Wow. I'm finally at a good place with all of that- about a year ago I started to panic that something was wrong with me for not being in that same place as so many people I know that are my age... now I just feel happy that these people I love are happy and are making amazing choices as to who they choose to share their lives with. And you know that? That happens at all different points for all different people. In the meantime, I love going to visit them in their new "grown up" worlds and thinking to myself, "someday, this will be me.... but for now, I am just starting on my own new adventure that I LOVE!!!"

So Merry Christmas, my loves... may you all be happy with everything you have this year and may 2009 bring a fresh start and lots of love and success in all the right ways.

XOXO

And then there was squash in my lap

It's funny how many blogworthy things happen in my life... as my good friend Jess said the other night, "Seriously though, your life is more ridiculous than a sitcom." I didn't think life could get much more interesting than a knife fight at the Harvard T stop, but I was wrong.

First things first- the wishathon went SWIMMINGLY. I was up at 4 am last Friday and at the Pru on the phones by 6:30 am taking donations for our wish kids. I spent the rest of the week at the office listening to our wishathon on the radio and running around like a crazy person to get things done. I love my job. It's like food for my soul.

In other news, I went to my friend Maro's wedding on the 6th and it was beautiful... she was the most elegant, gracious, happy bride and she and Eric are picture perfect together. I had such a fabulous time dancing and crying and laughing with the best of the best. And by the way? Exceptional playlist. No, but seriously...
I woke up in Worcester at the Mariott the day after the wedding and sat in the lobby by the fireplace drinking coffee and watching the snow fall. I was 100% elated. Weddings and Christmas just make me feel in love with the world.

And then of the course there is the slightly more personal side of what has been going on over the past week that I will leave quiet but will say this much: There are some things in life for which there are no words or explanations. Just pure happiness. And sometimes I don't know whether or not I should even breathe because I'm terrified that nothing tomorrow will be as good as it was today.........and then I realize that is silly and life is short and people are flawed and the best thing to do is look up at the sky and be grateful for the here and now and whatever smile it is bringing to your face.

Now for the comedic value this blog has been waiting for:

I went to the Burren on Friday night. I had a drunk hippie woman spin me out onto the dance floor and slap my ass twice. I also won Mardi Gras beads for my "dirty" dancing which is horribly laughable. But Caroline got some by default for being associated with me so I think that it's a win win situation when all is said and done.

I am obsessed with going "a-wassaling." I'm almost positive that is spelled incorrectly. Saturday morning I woke up and begged someone to go a-wassaling with me and was rejected. But a-wassaling we will go... just you wait.

I saw adorable babies sing Christmas carols at Faneuil Hall as the fabulous Whitney F'in Magee conducted. Huzzah on many levels.

I went with Whitney and Jess to a "wild" bar where people were actually dressed like elves and, wait for it, CHRISTMAS trees. And I froze. And irritated Jess with my horrific Chinese pronunciations. Which I always assume are real. I used WAY too many periods in that sentence.

OH and then SUNDAY morning I went to breakfast with Ash and Ty and FLIPPED my plate of flatbread covered in squash, cheese, and carmelized onions INTO MY LAP. Mortified, I was. But then again, when am I not? My life is one big series of embarrassing events. So sad. Yet so good.

The roomies and I made snowflakes and AMAZING Christmas cookies on Sunday night. Caroline drew a penis on one of the cookies. It was inappropriate but ah well. We ate it anyway. AND UM.

I ate cookies for breakfast yesterday. And have had so much caffeine today I could burst.

And in the midst of all this, I have realized that some people have no filter and no patience and I will continue to love them just the same but wish they would understand... and in the meantime, I will continue to go about my business and be thankful for the incredible friends and family I have.

Oh and ditto to ASH- no more weddings. I have been to three and I have 3 more to go to in the next year. I love you all... but pretty soon I will either A) have to get married too which sounds great except I'm scared to share a bathroom or eat really crunchy awkward food around guys or b) buy forty cats. And maybe marry Juan and live like Will and Grace forever more. Which would be fabulous...... Hmmm..... no but really, it's OK. I love weddings. I love seeing my little baby girls all grown up and happy and in love. And I truly love open bars and Michael Jackson songs. So, I revoke my previous statement. CONTINUE GETTING MARRIED. I love weddings :)

Peace. Merry (almost) Christmas.

XO

What in the WORLD?!

This past week has been a blog entry waiting to happen, no joke. The day before Thanksgiving I braved public transportation and took a packed bus to NYC to meet up with my family. It took FOREVER. When I finally got off at the bus station, my dad met me and walked me to our hotel where ONE king sized bed in a sardine can room awaited me. Me and my 4 family members in one bed. Well 4 of us, one on the floor... you know it's bed when your mother yells, "everyone turn to your left!"

On Thanksgiving morning, we wake up to the sounds of drums- they are doing a mini run through of the Macy's parade... my mom yells, "Pants on, let's go!" And so begins our curbside adventure that lasted from 4:30 am-noon. I have never been so cold. The parade was amazing, but the nap after was almost as good. Then we had our "Thanksgiving" dinner at an Irish Pub where "Desperado" was playing and a lot of guys sat alone at the bar. It felt like that scene in the Santa Claus where Tim Allen lights the turkey on fire and he and Charlie have to go to Denny's for dinner...

Fast forward. We go to the movies, pay WAY too much, have an awkward moment at a grocery store where after we have everything on the counter they say "cash only" and it's back to bed again. The next day we spent about an hour at Dylan's Candy Bar. Funny fact? I don't care at ALL about fashion or big name designers. But gourmet candy? Be still my heart.

6 hours later, after being piled in the car together, we make it home... and I wait for my 5 year high school reunion (which is Saturday). WHAT. A. TIME. It was amazing to see people I haven't seen in years, drink, laugh, and have fun... and feel completely confident doing it. I wish I had felt that confident IN high school. It made me realize how many friendships I missed out on. There was quite a bit of alcohol consumed and I can safely say it was like straight out of a movie at points. Ahhh, I love it.

Fast forward again. Monday I met Randy Moss with one of my wish kids. It was incredible... HE is incredible. He made this kid's face light up with literally every word he said. I was impressed.

Finally, story number 302948989.... Tuesday night I witnessed a knife fight on the T. Literally. I panicked, swore out loud obnoxiously, and thought to myself, "SERIOUSLY? I will not die on the T at Harvard Square."


The end :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

So in the spirit of Thanksgiving, feeling personally very blessed and happy, I would like to dedicate this blog entry to things I am thankful for:
1) My incredible family and loving friends
2) My new job that I love
3) BARACK OBAMA and the American people that voted him in
4) Funny people and awkward situations... especially the combination of the two
5) Beautiful music and dancing
6) Good health
7) The wool socks I am wearing right now because they keep my feet toasty warm
8) Whoever invented coffee
9) Whoever invented tweezers
10) Whoever invented the post-it note
11) Chocolate and all things delicious and sinful (Only in the edible sense of course)
12) The 400 pound woman living inside me who reminds me why I love chocolate, coffee, and all things delicious every day
13) Turkey neck
14) Thoughtful gestures that are totally unexpected


Please share something you are thankful for this year! It'll be fun :)

Pay It Forward

Another great weekend in Boston. Saturday night was spent with my delightful Sirens which is always the best. Did some singing - and by that I mean we sang Happy Birthday more or less in tune. Annnnd then ate a cake that had enormous frosting turkeys on it. My pants were significantly tighter this morning.

Went to church today for a chance to chill and think and be thankful... and the priest had an awesome message/thought for the week: don't pay it back, pay it forward. Given the current state of the economy, world and particularly now as the holiday season is approaching, I felt the need to share that with you all. In a time of total conservation, scrimping and saving, we need to be looking out for each other more than we ever have. The priest suggested per the movie Pay It Forward that we all try it... if you help someone out and they ask how they can repay you, tell them not to worry but to help someone else out when they can.

So I challenge you all to try it this week. Think of others... be as selfless as possible. Good things will come.

Amazing a la Whitney Simmonds style

I get into work this morning and find an email from Whitney telling me how she found an email that I had written her senior spring at Colby. And I read it and almost fell over laughing at how random/weird/gross it was :

Whitney: "and now, hem hem, your amazing email to me:"

Dear Che,
I am sitting at Elise's computer eating bbq soy nuts, licking my fingers, then touching her key board again. She'd probably be really mad if she knew that.
We missed you last night. I am going to give Jorge, Consuela, and all of their illegitimate children a spanking when I see them next. We taught FEO (which means ugly) and sang without the lights on. Hot.
I just did the eat the soy nut and lick my finger thing again.
Today was a good day. I did pilates, went to the teen parent school, watched "Real Women Have Curves" and am now about to prance around naked, embracing my "beauty." Speaking of which, Holly locked me outside in my underwear yesterday and then called Mikey. Luckily I escaped before he saw me. But John and Ann did. They live next door. I was embarrassed.
Well, what more can I tell you... nothing I guess. I hope USD or California Western get back to me soon and accept me so we can move to San Diego and I can be tan. And talk like a REAL valley girl. Could we buy a bunny AND a chihuahua?
Did I spell Chihuahua right?
Viva Peron. Y que te sientas bien :)
Mariah




Wow. WHAT WAS I SMOKING?
Yikes. This is why I DON'T do drugs.

Hey Elise? Sorry about the soy nut thing.

The bizarre ways of men...

Men puzzle me. I love them, I can't stand them and I categorize them as one entity that follows the same rules. This is admittedly a flaw of mine.
So here are a few questions I have:
1) How is it that in an elevator, a place where NO ONE ever talks, I was asked to lunch by an extremely friendly man who works next door? And how did he know that I was not from Maine the second he met me after accusing me of being "too friendly for Boston" when in fact HE prompted the conversation in the first place? Silly.
2) Why don't all guys know how to moonwalk?
3) THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT AND THIS IS ACTUALLY A POLL A FRIEND OF MINE AND I ARE DOING SO IF YOU ARE A MALE 20-23, PAY ATTENTION AND RESPOND: WHY DO GUYS TELL YOU THEY ARE SO INTO YOU AND THEN STRUGGLE TO TAKE ACTION OR CALL BACK? WHY ARE THEY AFRAID OF US? I know the female praying mantis eats her mate's head off after sex, but aside from a few gals I know, this not normally the case. AND WHY DO WE WANT TO KEEP LOVING THEM EVEN THOUGH WE WANT TO STRANGLE THEM? What is it about the quiet, sheepish remarks of love and affection from them during a heated argument where we accuse them of not caring that pulls us back into the web time and time again?

Mariah's hypothesis: guys DO care. They DO want you in their life and possibly even see a future with you. They are just SO torn between the unsettled, fresh out of school, hardworking bachelor lives they are leading and the one where they have a woman who truly means something to them that will love them completely and support their dreams... and maybe even cook sometimes...except for me. I certainly don't do that. SO they try desperately to keep the poker in the fire, so to speak, in the hopes that dream girl will still be floating around ready to settle when they have worked themselves out and are ready to take the plunge.


THOUGHTS?!

Only kindness matters

I was on my way to work this morning with my iPod plugged in and the song "Hands" by Jewel came thru the shuffle. I love this song because of its message- "my hands are small I know but they're not yours they are mine own and I am never broken..." "In the end, only kindness matters." There is nothing more poignant and simple than that. Only. Kindness. Matters. Think about it- what do we remember fondly in our lives? What do we treasure? When we die, what is the legacy we want to leave? That we were kind. That our presence in the world was valued. That we will be missed.

And then I got to work and read an article in the NYTimes about a Mexican immigrant who was stabbed to death in Patchogue, NY by some high school kids who liked to "get drunk and mug people" as a diversion. They decided on that fatal night to "mug a Mexican" so they went into a largely Hispanic neighborhood, punched this man and stabbed him. This man who labored in the U.S. for 16 years night and day to send money back to his mother in Ecuador who has been fighting cancer.

My heart stopped. My blood pressure is still up.

What the HELL is going on in our world??????? I'm sorry. When 5 17 year olds "get drunk and mug/kill people" as a diversion, I want to vomit. Then I want to pray for them. Then I want to show up at their doorstep and tell them I think they are ATROCIOUS and throw their asses in jail to rot.

I am getting sick to goddamn death of hearing people talk about "minorities" with disdain or following thru with hate crimes for FUN. Is your life THAT awful that you feel the need to KILL someone you don't know because they're different?

And you know what? Live for a day in their fucking shoes. I'd like to see any of these poor schmucks from NY or elsewhere, living in upper-middle class whitebread communities survive for a DAY in the shoes of a poor immigrant who hardly knows English, working 3 jobs to send BACK to their sick families in war-torn, impoverished countries.

They are doing what our great grandparents did and trying to make a better life for the people they love. They are human beings. They are not "aliens" or "less than." They are HUMAN. Get rid of the geographical lines and colors. PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE and people deserve love.

To you kids who were trying to have "fun?" I abhor your kind. Go ask daddy for some more money for an iPod upgrade you bastards. Pathetic.

There is a fascinating woman living near me. Every morning as I approach my T stop, I see her sitting on the sidewalk, pigeons surrounding her and perched on her arms and legs. She brings seeds in a little brown bag and smiles serenely for a good few minutes as the birds flock to her side. Then she stands up, throws her long blonde hair over her shoulder and walks towards the entrance. She is the happiest person I see in the morning. She takes time to enjoy nature and animals, she smiles, she holds the door and she doesn't walk 900 miles an hour as if she will absolutely be fired if she does not trample other people to get to the train.
I love the pigeon lady because she reminds me that there are people who are kind, observant, and happy with simplicity. She reminds me of Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Gentle, quirky, and sweet.
Some people may find her actions odd- she gets many stares. I find her awesome. And brave. She is somewhat of an anomaly in my fast-paced city life.
Is there a person like that for you? The one who is always there, hiding in the background, that brings calm to your mornings or days and reminds you to breathe and be happy?

Zen&Dancing&Nudity

I love the Zen spot I am in right now. I love that I take everyday in stride and know that life is beautiful and good. I have so many positive forces in my life right now that anything even remotely negative is pushed out of my head almost instantly.
It was a good first weekend in Boston... Kristen was here with the glee club and we got to spend Friday night out with Allison and Ash. Had some delicious food at the Purple Shamrock and roamed around the city for awhile.......Saturday I got up early and made some yummy scones. You know, the just add milk and butter kind. I haven't gotten THAT classy with my cooking yet :) Spent some time with Jen and Amanda and then saw Kristen's amazing concert at a church in Milton. They all sounded amazing- I was blown away!!!!!!
Today was a trip to the North End for Italian food and scones with Brittany, Lesley and Mimi....Brit was visiting colleges in the area and I am definitely rooting for her to pick a school here in Beantown. I've eaten cannolis twice this weekend. It's a good thing I walk EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!
Tomorrow starts week two at work. I'm pumped and ready. What an awesome feeling to look forward to going to work!!!!! Also, think I might pop by a tap class with Julia Boynton this week. My feet are itching to dance. They even have this sweet jazz/tap improv night at the Lily Pad once a month and apparently you have to be considered an "advanced" tap dancer to participate. I mean, anyone can watch, but I would love to do improv tap. How do you know if you're advanced though????? MAINE advanced is probably not BOSTON advanced. Guess I'll have to watch for the first session to see.

In other interesting news, saw an amazing break dancing performance in front of Fanueil Hall today. I wish I was a street performer. This reminds me of the time Mer and I went to dance camp in Boston and put a hat out in the middle of the city and danced... probably kick line style. We made a nickel. Better luck next time.......
OHH and speaking of dance......all these thoughts made me think of an AWESOME story: AWKWARD Mariah moment #5540680985690849689.
SOOOO I went to LA for a performing arts competition with my dance team when I was 14. Being the nudeaphobe (ummmm... sure?) that I am, I decided that I would NOT change costumes in the CO-ED dressing room we had. So I go out to this alley way and strip down. OHH Mariah, you clever girl, I kept thinking..........I got fully changed into my lovely leotard and watercolor ballet skirt and when I turned around, I was face to face with 11 Japanese cooks staring at me through a window of the, yes, restaurant I was changing in front of. They had NOT been there at the start of this adventure. Yet, there they were, grinning while giving me the "thumbs up." Mortified, I went TEARING through the alley back into the hotel and have never been the same since.
For all of you men out there who wonder why I am an asexual mutant, my nudeaphobia is a direct result of this moment from my childhood. Ahhh the trials and tribulations of a Catholic girl in LA....

More later my loves....keep on shinin'.

Thought for the day

I realize I have strayed (as promised) from the actual point of this blog, but I was reading this morning and was feeling really peaceful so I decided to share this passage with you:

'"To the Western mind,' I observed, 'patience and tolerance are certainly considered virtues, but when you are directly beset by others, when someone is actively harming you, responding with 'patience and tolerance' seems to have a flavor of weakness, of passivity.'
Shaking his head in disagreement, the Dalai Lama said, 'Since patience or tolerance comes from an ability to remain firm and steadfast and not be overwhelmed by the adverse situations or conditions that one faces, one should not see tolerance or patience as a sign of weakness, or giving in, but rather as a sign of strength, coming from a deep ability to remain firm. Responding to a trying situation with patience and tolerance rather than reacting with anger and hatred involves active restraint, which comes from a strong, self-disciplined mind.'"- The Art of Happiness


My whole life I have let myself be convinced by others that my tolerance and patience and "inability to express my anger" have been signs of weakness and things I need to "work on." I've admitted this to friends, boyfriends, etc. And today, for the first time, I'm starting to realize that maybe instead of being a weakness it's a strength. Not always, of course, because sometimes you HAVE to say how you feel so you don't internally combust. But to get through most days with more love than hate, more compassion and generosity than selfishness, and an ability to understand things from multiple perspectives? That is a POSITIVE trait. Re-vamping my mind today.......

THANK GOD.

OBAMA WON.
Someone I actually WANTED in a position of great authority WON.
Glory be.
That is all :)

OHHH! ANDDD!!!!!! SEAN FLAHERTY WON FOR DISTRICT REP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's my boy. Much love to you. You're gonna shine! Make Scarborough proud.

I heart Boston

Well, kiddos, today marks my first day at my new job with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of MA. It was phenom. Yup, I'm abbrev-ing. Shudder, I know. Anyways, I have to tell you, nothing makes my life better than walking into an energetic, positive work environment. I mean, there's a stuffed lion in the conference room and framed artwork done by children on my walls. HELLO!? Awes. I walked outside after my day was done and it was dark and Boston was lit up like a Christmas tree. I plugged in my IPod and buttoned up my jean jacket with scarf to look cool and trendy and thought, "Ahh, heaven."

Funny thing: on my way to my job this morning I got off at the wrong T stop. Obvs. I mean, in true Mariah style, I simply can't get anywhere the right way. So I walk by this sweet homeless man who asks for change and I say, "No, I'm sorry" because the truth is, I have no change. Those of you who know me know if I did, the man would have the damn quarters in his cup. He said it was ok and "God bless you," then he told me I needed a heavier jacket. WHAT??????????? I felt like a jackass. I laughed with him and told him to stay warm and forged on.

But wait. At this point I was still lost. So I found another homeless man and asked him how to get to Fanueil hall. He helped me. And I, again, felt like a jackass for not having change. Tomorrow morning? ATM stop first.

Final note. I'm pretty sure Chelsea (new roomie) and I are going to be doing a real meditation sequence man with an elderly Indian gentlemen. We met him by chance and learned all about yoga and centering the mind and how to stay young without face cream. Then he told us sex was very, very good and helped with our "oneness" and with clearing the mind. SWEET. So different from my Catholic upbringing that promised that with sex came babies, disease, a trip to hell upon death, and probably dismemberment. I'm switching religions. Damn.

More later, my loves. Sleep sweet and make the most of tomorrow.

Last day at work

Today is officially my last day at Unum. I walked in and found my desk covered in cupcakes, Reese Cup cake, dunkin munchkins, and homemade chocolate chip cookies. I got a card yesterday, have received countless emails and hugs, and the list goes on. Oh wait. And a hampster. Hamster? Hampster? Ya.
Not only that, but in the course of my ten months here, I had a birthday ambush with flowers, a cake, and a decorated cubicle (not to mention an incredible power point presentation), and had two incredible pop up presents that covered one entire side of my desk (one a pool party scene and one an amazing, spooky graveyard scene).
Anyways, it got me thinking... how many times have I heard people complain about awful co-workers or managers? I myself have had jobs where I've gotten into my car after a shift and cried. And so, I am blessed. Because although the past two years have been more of a roller coaster than I could've ever imagined, I have spectacular people in my life who pour out their love daily. And when all is said in done, that is what matters in life and that is all I'll ever need.
They're the brothers I never had and the friends I never thought I'd find living at home with Mom and Dad in good ol' Maine. I'll miss 'em.
Love you guys.

Life changers

A few months ago, I was taking a bus to Boston to celebrate my friend Ashley's birthday. I sat down, plugged in my head phones and pulled out a book. A few minutes later, I saw an elderly man struggling with his bags, struggling to breathe. He sat down next to me and tapped me on the shoulder.
"Yes?"
"Ma'am, are we stopping at South Station or Logan first."
"South Station."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, Sir."
Headphones back in.
"It's so nice to meet friendly people." Uh oh...
Headphones back out.
And so began my two hour conversation with one of the most fascinating people I have ever met. We'll call him Jack.
Jack is a disabled war veteran who has been screwed by the system. So, on little funding, he travels back and forth almost weekly for medical treatments at the VA hospital.
When Jack asked where I worked, I was terrified to tell him I worked for an insurance company. He looked at me accusingly as if I was part of the problem.
I reassured him that my heart was in the right place and I was a Spanish interpreter in the customer service center. My job was to make sure people DID have access to their benefits and that they understood exactly what needed to happen and what all their paperwork said. I, too, wished we had universal health care. Yes, I too loved Hillary. But alas... that didn't fix the current situation for this poor man.
He went on to tell me about fighting in the war, his broken family life, how he was trying to take care of himself and also his son and son's wife and child. I listened and nodded, wishing I could do something more.
I got into a passionate discussion with this man about doing work that means something and that makes someone else's life a little bit better than it was before. I told him about my dream to do something in child advocacy. That I was a total hippie in my heart and that all I wanted was for everyone to just GET ALONG and be friendly and kind. He smiled at me and said most people think he's crazy when he tries to talk. I told him most people just have a story they need to tell and not everyone wants to listen.
When we finished our bus ride, I helped him with his things and walked him off the bus. He looked at me and said "You give me hope, young lady. You're going to change the world."
And then we parted ways... and I got to thinking, how interesting that talking to strangers and trusting others has become so taboo. Maybe if we actually told stories/let others tell theirs we wouldn't spend thousands of dollars in therapy bills.

On my way home from Boston, I sat with another lovely person. A woman, maybe in her 40s, who told me about her trip to Boston and asked about mine. We somehow ended up talking about friendships and then relationships. She told me about her struggles with relationships and the demise of her first marriage. How she has a hard time standing up to others and being open with her feelings. I could feel my inner panic start to rise. She sounded a LOT like me. I hate confrontation and have a really hard time telling people when I'm upset and angry.
I told her about my then-relationship and how amazing it was... and she looked at me and said, "I'm so glad there are hopeless romantics left in the world. Always say how you feel, my dear. Show people you care and show them how to treat you."
I was shell-shocked and had no idea her advice would be so pertinent as the year went on. And I think I started to do precisely what she said and I think it's really working.

Ah, sigh. So that is why I talk to strangers. They give me perspective, hope, and an ability to see myself for who I am like others who have known me for a lifetime cannot. And if I just made someone else's trip a little easier by providing an understanding ear, then I'm a happy girl.

Thoughts?

Strangers on Public Modes of Transportation

Ok, so... the inspiration behind this blog has come from a series of hysterical/life-altering encounters I have experienced on public modes of transportation (planes, trains, and automobiles... remember that movie??) I'm not going to bombard you with all these tales at once, but I thought it'd be a good time to introduce story number one: Charlie.

Ah, Charlie. So during the summer of 2006 I was interning in NYC. Being the impoverished college student that I was (or the impoverished graduate that I AM) meant that living in the city was out of the question. I decided to stay with my bestest bud and her aunt in Jersey and bus it into work everyday. Now, being a friendly girl from Maine, I usually speak to everyone I see. I have no problems with strangers. I did learn, however, that these rules of friendliness do NOT apply in the Big Apple.
So one day, I get on the bus and sit down next to this man. I look directly ahead and say nothing, as I have been instructed to do by EVERYONE. Then it happens... I feel his eyes boring a hole into the side of my head. Finally he says, "Helen?" To which I reply, "No, I'm sorry." And the conversation goes...
"No, I thought your name was Helen. You know, like Helen of Troy?"
"Ya, right, the face that launced a thousand ships. Cute." I turn and look ahead. Face=red.
"What is your name?" Ohh of course... we couldn't just end there, could we? Nope.
"Mariah."
"OH, Maria?"
"Nope, MARIAH."
"Right, Maria."
"K, sure."
"Maria, can I read your palm please?"
Oh wow... let's see, what can I tell Charlie? I have a skin disorder where in fact my skin falls off or perhaps turns to skittles when touched? Hmm... might not work. I give him my hand.
"You have a long life ahead of you... you will get married to your boyfriend. You have a boyfriend, yes?"
"Uhhh. No." God I love how this guy operates.
"Ohh... can I call you sometime?"
"I don't have a phone." (Not even a lie.)
"Email?"
"Uhhh sure... here it is."
Why I didn't lie and give him a fake address I will never know. Off the bus we go.
Later that day, I get an email. Want to do lunch? Ohhh crap. I hate being polite. I turn to Martha, my co-worker, and ask her for advice.
"Sweetie, you're in NYC. Ignore the bastard."
Crap.
So I do.
Next day, I get on the bus, sit with some unassuming man who doesn't appear to want to chit chat. Fall asleep. Bus brakes and I hear, "MARIA! Wake up. I saved you a seat."
NO, BUT SERIOUSLY???? This happened.
"Uh Charlie, I'm sleeping? Slash trying to learn Portuguese?" (Also true. I'm a nerd. I had a self-teach book).
"Ohh... well, ok." He saunters off.
Get off the bus, heading through the subway. I hear Charlie yelling my name. My pace quickens. Finally, he grabs my arm.
"You didn't respond to my email!"
"Sorry, Charlie. So busy yesterday. You know how it is as an intern."
"Right. Lunch today?"
"Ya, um, dinner plans with the boss. I'm just that spectacular at what I do that they've decided to wine and dine me."
"Right. OK, well, um, I'll see you on the bus."

And that was the last time I spoke with Charlie. And the first time I learned that killing one with kindness=not the best policy. Not in the Big Apple, folks. Headphones on, gaze straight ahead. Watch your back.

Similar stories or adventures from others?

My very first blog

Wow, so this is super exciting. I'm finally a blogster. I never wanted to seem like a follower but the thing is, I read so many blogs everyday that I love that I thought, why not??? Anyway, the theme behind this blog is the random, crazy, awkward happenings I experience everyday. That's not to say that I won't go off on a tangent from time to time... trust me I will. But I consider everything that happens to me in my life a growing experience and a chance to either connect with people or understand the world just a teeny bit better than I did before. Hopefully my ramblings will connect with you on some level as well.

Interesting fact. When you have a job ending in three days, it's extremely difficult to focus. No but really. I'm trying and I can't. Hence the blog. Which I've started at work. I'm moving to good old Beantown next Saturday to start my dream job (literally... well aside from those jobs that I'd also really love as a chocolate shop owner in the Alps or a tap dancer on Broadway). But anyways, it's time for new faces, new places, and new stories. I've been patient and waited for a year to finally feel like my life makes sense and has some semblance of order and VOILA! It happened within a week. (Such naivete... )

Here's a thought I'm going to leave you with as I end my intro blog: What does SOCIAL HIERARCHY means when it comes to high school life? Because as I run into kids from high school at the store, at the bars, and God only knows where else, I am reminded of the memorable moment I was first informed of said hierarchy and how it determines who we can speak with, be friends with, and date... and how said hierarchy no longer applies after high school. And therefore awkward encounters and propositions ensue...
Thoughts?