The Library is great to work but...

You have to drink your coffee or soda in a clandestine manner.

My one week off starts today and I, instead of running out of town, am spending it at home in the Big Apple. I woke at 10 am today, walked my dog, then came to the New York Public Library- The performing arts branch in Lincoln Center. The collective creativity in the 5 block center will permeate my brain and I will write better. I am writing a book. The title of my book is This Is So Not Pretty: Finding Love and Beauty on TV. . In 2004 I was on the show Extreme Makeover and I am writing a book about the experience. I've taken classes and found some amazing people to help me in my journey.

So with every bit of free time I have, I hunker down with my pen, paper and laptop and write my brains away. I am powered by coffee and music plus for some reason I can't get the same amount done at home. But Manhattan coffee shops can get a bit pricey: there's the coffee, plus the cute little sandwiches with avocados for 7 dollars. Then the batteries on the laptop give out, so I must transfer to a power source usually a Starbucks. Then I have to buy another coffee, then the cookies at Starbucks looks so good and they have sugar. Now I am getting extra calories. You can see how this becomes a spiral.

So the Library is my solution. It's free and quiet. I have my music with Itunes and there is no food to tempt me. But they have that annoying no drinks rule. Here's what I did, am doing right now: I bought a tight thermos that doesn't leak, filled it with life-giving-java and every so often pretend to hunt through my bag then take a quick sip.

Now I must get back to writing my book.

New York Senator-Kirsten Gillibrand

Heather speaks: I find it difficult to take this woman seriously. First, her name: it's KIR-sten not Kristen. What is she... 20? She sounds like the head cheerleader at my high school. When I was a freshman, she was a senior; I wonder if she would have picked on me? Either I am getting old or she is too young to be a senator.

I do like her platform though. She supports marital equality, small businesses, and understands the differences between Upstate and Downstate.

Let's hope for good things from Kirsten.

Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?

Rockapella in concert. Watch the amazing Jeff Thacher at 1:30 perform solo.


I finally spent my ITunes Channukah card a few days ago.... on Rockapella and electric versions of some classical pieces. I found a great "Flight of the Bumblebee" and spent an hour looking for a well done "Sabre Dance." Alas, I did not find anything worthy. But I did rediscover Rockapella. Remember Where in the World..., the PBS kids game show that proved the sorry state of the education system. Kids couldn't find Spain on an outline map. The a cappela group provided transitional music plus choral cues during the show. When the crowd roared "Do it Rockapella" at the end the talented quintet launched into the song that put them on the map. The clever lyrics blew my skirt up. I'm sure my crush on the tall man with the jutting jaw and cornrows had something to do with my making Where in the World after school appointment televsion. Geek to the core-I am, was, and always will be.

I learned that the group is still recording orginal music and touring here and abroad. I downloaded a bunch of their tunes. The music, produced soley by vocal, is fun, fresh and displays the group's range. The harmonies are pitch perfect. The vocal percussion, aka beat box, of Jeff Thacher will amaze your ears. Soon you'll forget that sound comes from a human being. I was smiling from the first note and singing along by the last.

My Parents...

have arrived into the technological age. Three Waghelsteins online at the same time. What are the odds? P.S. They live in the same house.

My Bloody Valentine-3D

Saw this movie yesterday with my friend, Ray. Ray liked it and his shoulder stayed warm because my head remained buried in it. I never liked horror films ever since my sister made me watch Amityville and Friday the 13th(a new one is due to hit theatres in spring). I saw this one to support an actor I like. This movie amazed, terrified, and disturbed me. Took me a while to get certain images out of my mind before sleep last night.

The production values and effects rocked as did the 3D. The gore was so realistic plus they did an amazing job of keeping you guessing between all the possible suspects. The story is simple: Big murder spree by miner with a pick-axe then the murderer gets killed and buried. Ten years later the sleepy town of Harmony falls victim to the same killings. Did the murderer rise from the dead or is it a copy cat? Plus there's some angst and lost-love thrown in for good measure. The plot is secondary to the presentation and if you like gore fests this one will have you screaming at every swing.

Brain Farts

I've got to get my dog a job. He sleeps all day in my bed or the couch and I'm sure he's learned to use the remote control. When I close the door to leave for work at 6am he gives me this look. Somedays I swear he's thinking, "sucker." Later around noon he turns to the cat, "ok, you get the beer, I'll turn on Animal Planet." It's like having an unemployed husband. When I come home it's all, "take me out, I have to pee," or "love me, I missed you all day." I'll forgive him for the needing to pee, I'm thankful he's housebroken. But he can be annoying with his licking and pawing. Oh, men.

My roommate and I had a debate about PC v. Mac. She feels that more Mac people frequent Starbucks than independent coffee shops because the are willing to pay more for a label. I disagreed. I find more Mac users at indie coffee shops because they know quality and are free thinkers that eschew coporate dribble. Starbucks tastes like burnt floor, yet has the most caffiene. PC's work like the telegraph, yet have the most power for the dollar. Indie coffee tastes better but wont have you buzzing. Mac works like the wheel, but costs more.

I took care of an eight month old baby after his ear tube surgery. I held him in my arms until the parents arrived. The mother took a look at her crying child and yelped, "Oh my god, what's wrong with him? He looks so different." She was so upset I insisted the father hold him. I talked her down the baby was fine. They went home happy. But after I laughed heartily with my co-workers. Did she not know she was bringing the baby in for surgery with ANESTHESIA. Anesthesia induces an altered state of mind.

Odd News

Since I have nothing scintillating to write I will post some links to cool stories

107 year old Chinese woman seeks first husband. You go girlfriend. Have you had the wedding night talk. Will you use protection?

Computer geeks learn to flirt "It's not the size of your hard drive..."

Dairy Milk Chocolate bars contain......milk!

and a funny video for you to enjoy