...That vase

I'm home! It's very exciting. Already I have seen mother and sister, had lunch, shopped for last minute gifts and watched upwards of 90 minutes of television (Sister controls remote. Best Week Ever it is).

It's really nice to be home. Oh, don't get me wrong: I like the hustle and the bustle and whatnot-le of the big city, but this suburban pace really has a lot to it. Granted, it's sort of boring and the green spaces all lead to ugly houses or awful office complexes, but they're not teeming with people. God! Those people. Everywhere. The Park, Macy's, that goddamn faux-flea market in Union Square (over tomorrow, thank GOD), even near the WTC. Who are these tourists who say, "Christmas time! Let's go make awkward overly-loud and self-conscious chit-chat at the scene of the most awful thing that has happened in America in...like...a long time" and what are they doing there? Go HOME, people.

Also, if I were in New York, I wouldn't be able to see Miss Nevada looking rough as rocks crying on my local newscast. If you'll excuse me, I need to go watch the weather guy's banter.

Merry Christmas, Sweettits!

The Reason for the Season

Recent outcry from our angry readers demands a new post to the FogelBlog. Well, okay, only one person said something like "aren't you ever gonna update that?" And here you have it -- the post that will land these bloggers a book deal! Actually, the reason the blog hasn't been updated in some time is that we Fogelpeople have nothing to do as of late! Work is boring, we're free from school obligations, and neither of us has ever had a social life, so there's really nothing about which to write. If the other Fogelperson has any complaints about the assertions made in this entry, he should take it up with his editor.

Anyway, I guess there's nothing left to discuss but the events which fill us all with anxiety and dread at this time of year -- the HOLIDAYS!! Having gone shopping 2 of the last 4 days, one of which in what must be one of the busiest shopping areas around, I can say that my anxiety levels are at an all time high. Yes, I've made appropriate purchases for many of my family members and loved ones, but now I have them hidden away in my closet and am counting down the minutes until I see the looks on their faces which register with me later as having meant "I know we all say it's the thought that counts, but you really thought I would like this? Jerk." On top of that, I have yet to acquire gifts for people who play a tertiary role in my life, but have INEXPLICABLY decided that they will be getting me Christmas gifts this year. My concerns about the commercialism of this great day have been replaced by the dark cloud of impersonal and frantic gift giving.

I suppose it is only fitting to have some kind of resolution to this blog entry, but as of yet I've got nothing. Any loyal readers (as we know there was at least one) who have tips for what to buy for those people about whom you know pretty much nothing can provide a kind of interactive conclusion to this one, and ease my troubled mind. Happy holidays, everyone!

On Savings

I'll be really honest with you on this one: I'm not the best at saving money. I know, I know. It shocked me too when I first realized it. I think that was when my net worth was $5.68 in my checking account during college.
I've improved some since then, and a quick perusal reveals that I have $303 in two savings accounts, upwards of $20 in two solo cups devoted to change and $814 in my 401(k). Checking and credit card balances would be a bit too revealing. This is a public blog and, frankly, I'm a little creeped out that you were wondering.
So I was just looking through my documents and I came across a receipt from my trip to the Pathmark on Sunday night (highly recommended, though the closer Pioneer supermarket gets more of my business). Total spent: $32.48. Total saved: $8.02.
I'm 25% of the way there! The goal (I learned this from my friend Gareth) is to save as much as you spend on a $25+ trip to the supermarket, any way you can: coupons, preferred customer cards, buy one get one free things, etc.
The challenge is ours, humble readers. Let's play some supermarket sweep. First one to show a receipt with more savings than spending wins. Early advantages to our New York and Minnesota friends who don't have to pay sales tax on groceries.

Turning Over a New Leaf

I'm turning over a new leaf! In this nameless, faceless city, I have begun to realize I must distinguish myself. Because I have pretty much nothing going for me, I've decided to develop a new trait, one which will wow and amaze. I call it a "work ethic." No doubt it's ironic on some level that I announce this by blogging mid-day, but I stand by its truthfulness. I will no longer watch television until my vision blurs, go to bed before primetime television starts, or have crazy adventures mid-week when work looms over my head. I will manage my time and plan ahead! Years from now, people will read this blog and say, "Gee whiz, she must have had great time management skills to share such entertaining blog entries while working full time and getting a Masters degree." Audience, I tell you now, you will be amazed.

The loneliness of the tights-wearing runner

I started the wake-up process around 4:30 this morning. I'm not sure why: this just seems to happen on Mondays. It's never a nervous feeling; more of a slow, anticipatory rousing that's gotten me to that half-asleep/half-awake state before 5am three Mondays in a row. Today's was different, though.
I fell asleep with the window open a crack last night and by the time I started to get up, it was bitterly cold, a cold that had me huddling under my beautiful new sheets and my old $30 Target comforter. This was exciting. Finally, a chance to bring out the tights! When the alarm finally sounded, it was in the thirties with gusty winds out of the north. The time had come.

Long story short, it was just absolutely awesome. Tights! Who knew? I felt great, I felt loose quickly. Most of all, I felt totally comfortable and warm and not at all like a man in tights would typically feel on Seventh Avenue at 6:15am. Tights, ladies and gentlemen.