Marni's World by Marni | English, baby! Blogs

Yet Another Athlete in the Headlines

Marni — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:20:12 GMT

Yet Another Athlete in the Headlines

It seems that everywhere I look and everything I read is about another athlete falling from grace. Several weeks ago every paper, TV station, and Internet site was inundated with information about Lance Armstrong and his doping scandal and Manti Te’o and his fake girlfriend.

The Manti Te’o story was just so bizarre that I had to laugh. I still don’t understand how a man could have a “girlfriend” who isn’t real but I will give him the benefit of the doubt. It seems he was the victim of a vicious hoax and that the perpetrator was a man that was in love with him. It has all of the elements of a crazy love triangle and that always makes for good press.

Now to Lance Armstrong…I didn’t see the infamous Oprah interview because frankly I was so sick of all of the attention he was getting. Do I think he deserves to fall on his sword? Absolutely! He did something wrong, he lied about it for years, and now he has to pay the price. Let’s move on!

Presently, the story that everyone is consumed with is the horrific murder investigation of Oscar Pistorius. I admit this story has me captivated. I am not sure if it is because it is so tragic, if it is because it involves murder, or because it just keeps getting stranger, but I can’t turn away. Perhaps the fascination with this story is because Oscar Pistorius seemed to be a man who really showed the world that anything is possible. He was the first double amputee to compete in the Olympics. That is an amazing accomplishment. He seemed to have it all, Olympic glory, a beautiful girlfriend, and money. Now he appears to be a murderer and might spend the rest of his life in jail. I would like to believe it was a terrible accident as he has alleged, but it is hard for me to believe so given the details. As more information comes to light I can only imagine this story will be around for quite some time.

So who will be the next athlete to dominate the headlines? I guess I, like the rest of the world will just have to wait and see. I can only hope that the next athlete in the news is front-page material because he or she rescues small children from a burning building or finds a cure for cancer. Wouldn’t it be nice if it were for something positive for a change?

Major Life Change

Marni — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 10:19:18 GMT

Major Life Change

I am sitting here typing knowing that at any moment my life could take a dramatic turn. You see I am on the threshold of making one of the most important life changes that anybody can go through, and that is I am about to become a mom for the first time. It has been an amazing process and now the scary part begins. I am not just talking about labor and delivery, which is terrifying, but also the fact that I am responsible for the welfare and upbringing of a child.

Don’t get me wrong, I really want this. I am so excited to meet my son and embrace this new chapter in my life. But it is also scary, like really scary. Everyone keeps asking me if I am ready and my response is always, I think so, because how can one ever be truly ready? I have all of the gear and for such tiny humans they sure require a lot of gear. I think being ready though is a mental state and most people aren’t really ever there until they are in the throws of it. It seems to be one of those things you just have to jump in headfirst and see how you do. I hope I do well.

There are just so many unknowns. What will he be like? Will he ever sleep? Will I ever sleep? Will he be colicky? Will I be patient enough? I can really make myself crazy when I think of all of these things. I also just have to take a deep breath and remind myself that millions upon millions of women have been doing this for centuries and surviving, so why should I be any different? I can do this!

Oh a Camping I will Go!

Marni — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 16:56:55 GMT

Oh a Camping I will Go!

As summer winds down, I have been thinking, "Where did the time go?" and mostly, "What did I do?" I know what I didn’t do or rather do enough of, and that is camping. I love going camping and I am determined to go at least one more time before the winter weather is upon us.

Now, there are two types of camping as far as I am concerned. The first is "car camping". Car camping is not my preferred method of camping, but in my current state (pregnant), it is really all I can do. When I say car camping, I mean you literally role up and park at your camping spot. Now the advantage to this kind of camping is that you can bring whatever you want to make it a really cushy camping experience. You can bring lots of pillows and an air mattress and all the food you can eat. I cringe when I see people with laptops and stereos, but yes that is part of the experience for some too. This type of camping often occurs in a designated campground where you might have to pay a daily fee to use the site. These sites generally come with bathrooms, which also make it a little easier for some to have an enjoyable time. If you have never been camping before, this might be the experience you need.

The second way to camp is the “hike-in” camping experience. This is what I prefer because while it is not as easy as car camping, it is a lot more rewarding. When you hike-in, you have to carry everything you need for camping on you. This means you bring your tent, sleeping bag, your food, and everything you need with you on your back and you hike to a spot in the woods. It is not always easy and can get very difficult if you have a heavy pack. The right kind of camping gear goes a long way but that is another story. You can search for a spot that is remote and private and really get away from all the cares of the modern world. There won’t be a bathroom but there also won’t be as many people.

I am not a slave to technology, so I relish the opportunity to leave all modern conveniences behind and really live in the moment. I find this difficult to do most times except when I get the opportunity to spend a weekend with friends camping this way. It is a simple luxury and to some people I know time spent this way would be torture, but to me it is truly a gift and I can’t wait to get back to the woods.

Be Careful What You Say When It Comes to That Special Day

Marni — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:30:11 GMT

Be Careful What You Say When It Comes to That Special Day

In the past I have talked about weddings being too expensive and possibly not even worth it with divorce rates being what they are these days. Well, perhaps this little cynic is finally going to have to “eat some crow” as I too am “taking the plunge” as they say one month from now. With the date looming in the near future I have to admit I am becoming a bit of a basket case. I am thrilled to be marrying my wonderful future husband, but the wedding itself is becoming a crazy affair.

Truth be told we are paying for the wedding ourselves and that means we are doing it on the smallest of budgets. We are super lucky to have amazing fiends and family members helping us with many of the details. In all honesty lucky, isn’t even the right word. The right word is more like we are forever indentured servants to all those who are helping us out. The thing is, I don’t care about having the perfect wedding or any of that meaningless crap, I merely want to throw a great party and have all of my loved ones around me to celebrate this momentous occasion.

So why am I a basket case then? If I don’t care about the perfect day or the perfect dress or any of that, why am I so stressed about things? Well I guess it just comes with the territory. Wedding day + bride = basket case. I thought I would be able to change this equation but alas I am succumbing to the fervor. I am not a Bridezilla nor will I be in the horrible reality TV sense, but if I could just hand over all the details to someone I would in a heartbeat. I guess this is the price I pay for all of that previous skepticism. Curses!

A Weekend Wasted!!

Marni — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:28:01 GMT

A Weekend Wasted!!

Wow, I just had a three-day weekend thanks to the President’s Day holiday, which is really just a chance for stores to have a one-day sale. Seriously, it is one of the least memorable holidays. Anyway, I had such lofty plans for my weekend and yet all I did all weekend, besides laundry, was watch really bad movies.

I didn’t go out and see anyone. I didn't go out at all. I just stayed home with three dogs and a Netflix cue that could have belonged to a thirteen-year-old boy. I am a little too embarrassed to actually list the movies that I watched, but let’s just say I wish I could rewind all three nights and get the six plus hours back that I wasted per movie.

I feel a bit pathetic as I head back into my work week that my huge to-do list is still starring at me with nary an item being accomplished. I keep thinking about all of the things I could have done with my six hours had I not watched those movies. I could have practiced my Spanish, (I’m trying to learn), read, cleaned the house, practiced my drums, tried a new recipe, done yoga, or simply have watched any of the many documentaries that are on my must watch list. Any of those options would have been a much better use of my time than the one I opted for. Alas, I cannot change what has been done; I can only make better choices next weekend.

A New Year, A Not So New Me

Marni — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:14:36 GMT

A New Year, A Not So New Me

Well here it is a brand new year and once again I am on a self- imposed cleanse. It seems that every year I try to ring in the new year by purging the previous year’s toxins. Now there are many different ways to approach a cleanse. You can go full speed with a Master cleanse where all you consume is a mixture of water, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup that you drink multiple times a day for various lengths of time, lasting as long as ten days. There are a myriad of packaged cleanses that consist of herbs and supplements that come with instructions so you can either be really successful or really lazy depending on your level of interest. You can also take on a more non-traditional approach and design your own cleanse based on what your body or what you think your body needs. I am currently not succeeding with the last item on my list.

Now when I set about to cleanse this month I really had some lofty goals. I thought I could cut out everything deemed bad for me, and embrace it as my cause, my raison d’être. Alas, my will power is just not as strong as I had hoped and I have caved to my cravings more times than I care to mention. My intention was to cut out all processed sugar, dairy, gluten, alcohol, and basically anything delicious. I have succumbed to all of these things.

To be fair, I have cut down significantly on all of the aforementioned items and so I now view my cleanse as more of a process. It is more of a gradual cleanse and one that I will be really successful with come closer to the end of the month or perhaps the end of February. You see I want to be in the optimum health in theory but in reality my food cravings always seem to get the better of me. Why just the other night I was at a party and there was a chocolate fountain, a chocolate fountain people!!! Who can say no to that? I was dipping strawberries in left and right and of course the more you eat the more you want it. Just like a true addict I was in deep with this sugar and I loved it!

So you see, while I love the idea of cleansing, it is just so darn hard when the things you are eliminating are right there to tempt you. I think that now while it is so bleak out in the dead of winter, a little sweetness in the form of chocolate, wine or even great rustic bread, is just what this gal needs. And of course there is always tomorrow to make better choices, right?

Thoughts on the "Occupy" Movement

Marni — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:55:42 GMT

Thoughts on the "Occupy" Movement

The Occupy Wall Street protest movement is upon us as Portland, Oregon, joined the ranks several weeks ago with other cities across the United States. The movement is designed as a protest against the unfair distribution of wealth in this country. When I first heard about the protests in New York, I was excited and supportive. I felt like finally people were outraged enough to say something about the financial crisis and its impact on our economy and our lives. Now that the movement is several months old and seemingly growing, I can’t help but question what effect it is having in changing the status quo.

In Portland, there has been a fairly positive response to the protests. The camp that has been set up downtown seems to be organized and civil with a few arrests here and there but nothing major thus far. The camp seems to have spawned a communal sense of living and acting. I personally haven’t been through the camp (walking by doesn’t count). As I am writing this, I am wondering, “Why haven’t I been through the camp?” “Why haven’t I taken part in the protests?” I am frustrated and angry at how things are in this country and I want my voice to be heard. There have been so many examples lately of countries protesting and sparking real change that I wonder why I am so reticent to join in the “Occupy” movement. Perhaps it is uncertainty or the fact that I am so busy juggling several jobs, but I want to be involved in some way and yet cannot bring myself to participate.

I spoke with a friend recently on this very issue, a desire to act and yet not acting. We tried to understand why we hadn’t done anything ourselves to take part in the protests. Maybe it is because we are scared or uncertain or too caught up in our lives, but we agreed that there seems to be something holding us back. I am not sure what it is, but the old saying, nothing ventured, nothing gained, could not be more appropriate for this situation.

Perhaps getting out of my comfort zone and seeing what is happening for myself will inspire me to respond to my frustrations in a new and focused way. Perhaps it will simply reinforce my skepticism. I know that I want change and it seems like the time to act is now.

Heartbreak and Forgiveness

Marni — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:24:37 GMT

Heartbreak and Forgiveness

Recently, I have had to comfort a friend who is experiencing the worst kind of heartbreak. Having one’s heart broken is the worst pain. Those of us that have gone through it know it can take ages to recover from having your heart broken. While my attention has been focused on my friend and comforting her, I can’t help but think about the man who has broken her heart. He is also a friend, and now I find myself asking, “How do you forgive the unforgiveable?”

When someone does something so hideous, so awful and you have previously given them the benefit of the doubt and they repeatedly mess up, how do you keep giving them allowances? Is it possible that it is as simple as the passage of time, or are there some things that are just unforgiveable?

Now I know that there are some huge underlying issues that are not being addressed here and for that I want to be understanding, but when your actions destroy those around you that love you most, I just have a hard time being compassionate. I know people make mistakes and need guidance but how many times can you keep making the same mistakes and not take some serious stock in your life?

I am being intentionally vague about the specifics because these are real people who deserve their privacy. I will say that the situation is very disturbing and screams for the need for real, professional help.

It would be easy to just hate this person and wish him harm, but that is not me. I am understanding and I am very forgiving. That is why I am so conflicted and broken up about this: it just doesn’t make any sense to me. I want to magically make things better for my friend and take all of her pain away, but that is impossible. I just hope that for the sake of everyone involved, clarity is reached and that the healing can begin sooner rather than later.

Advice on Your Wedding Day

Marni — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:54:23 GMT

Advice on Your Wedding Day

This weekend I went to my one and only wedding of the summer. It was a beautiful wedding and it felt like a very real and personal celebration of these two people and the life that they are creating together. I had a blast and was genuinely happy to be a part of their celebration the entire day.

In addition to teaching, I have worked on and off as a caterer for many years and as a caterer, I have worked my fair share of weddings. Every time I cater a wedding, I am always struck by how horribly formulaic and impersonal weddings tend to feel. You hear the same songs, the same speeches; you see the same dresses, etc. The sad thing is I know that people spent a fortune on what is supposed to be their special day and as an outside observer it is anything but special. Now I guess perhaps I refute my point right there. I am an outside observer and I don’t know the people. As someone who has seen many weddings though, it is as if everyone bought a Wedding for Dummies manual and followed it to the letter.

Do I sound bitter? I’m really not but I am perplexed at why people spend so much money on weddings when the divorce rates are so high in the US! I have heard stories of brides who are offered large sums of money that they can either spend on their wedding or on a down payment for a house and they always choose the wedding. Why? A wedding is one day, one day of your life, but a house, a home is forever.

Have I always been such a pragmatist? No. I am speaking from experience. The truth is I was married once and I had a very beautiful and very expensive wedding. It was a great day and it felt personal and meaningful and the marriage lasted… two years. So I guess my point is…

1. Make sure you really want to marry the person you are marrying.

2. If you do want to marry that person, make the wedding meaningful. Think about what is important to you and make sure your wedding reflects you, not the desires of others.

3. Don’t spend a fortune. Remember, it is one day of your life! And if offered large sums of money to use on either a wedding or a down payment for a house… just remember the Vegas motto. "The house always wins!"

The Death of Osama Bin Laden

Marni — Tue, 03 May 2011 21:07:39 GMT

The Death of Osama Bin Laden

As I sit here writing this blog, I honestly do not know how I feel about this profound incident. I can say with the utmost certainty that the death of Osama Bin Laden was absolutely justified and I am glad the world is free of such a brutal murderer. I am, however, really sickened by the reaction of so-called "American patriots." The reaction to the news of his death that I saw in the streets of New York and Washington, where people were partying and shouting "USA, USA," is so puzzling to me.

I heard a news segment where a young man described the death of Osama Bin Laden as to how our grandparent's generation must have felt about the death of Adolf Hitler. I also see a connection. Hitler was a brutal dictator that murdered millions of Jewish people and non-Jewish people alike. Bin Laden was a brutal rebel leader who murdered thousands of Muslims as well as Americans. Neither man seemed to possess any regard for human life and they were both willing to kill anyone to further their own causes. So yes, I see a connection and perhaps history will continue to draw these parallels. While Americans may have expressed the same feelings and sentiments about the death of Hitler some 65 years ago, our media has changed so much that the images of Americans shouting in the streets like a bunch of drunken idiots, can only do us harm in the end.

I am so curious what the rest of the world thinks about the death of Bin Laden. The media has been saturated with stories and comments from people all over the world, but I want to know from young people what their thoughts are on this momentous event. As many Ebaby! members are from various countries in and around the Middle East, I ask you, what are your thoughts on Bin Laden's death and the reaction it has received around the world? Now let me state again that I fully support our President and military in making the decision to kill Bin Laden. I feel it was the right and just thing to do. I am just confused by the extreme reactions it has received from many Americans and from others around the world. I know I am not alone in my questioning amongst my friends and family here in Portland, but I want to know what the world has to say about this historic event.

Can Good Come from a Crisis?

Marni — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:52:04 GMT

Can Good Come from a Crisis?

I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt sorrow for the people of Japan. I am always struck by this horrible feeling of helplessness whenever a tragedy of this scale occurs. Of course, I can donate money to organizations that provide relief effort. Aside from that, how do we deal with tragedies such as these, which seem to be occurring more and more frequently?

There has been a lot of talk of the possible nuclear crisis in Japan. Aren’t all of these disasters serving as a wake up call that we can’t keep living our lives the way we do? I am naïve, perhaps, but I have to admit that I have been looking at my life closely. Life really is precious and fragile and I want to appreciate every day I am on this planet.

I know that it sometimes takes a tragedy to make people come together and not be so self-involved, but it shouldn’t. I look at people like Sean Penn who has been living and working in Haiti since that country’s earthquake, and I think there is some good in humanity. He has given up the comforts of his very charmed life and has given of himself completely to help those in need. I am not saying that we should or even could all do that, but isn’t it important to give of yourself in some way? If you cannot do it on such a grand scale as Mr. Penn, you can at least volunteer some time in your local community. I try and live my life this way. It is my sincerest desire that something good will come out of this horrible tragedy in Japan. Perhaps it will inspire someone reading this to get involved in humanitarian efforts and some good can come of this unspeakable event. Here's hoping!

Frugal or Just Plain Cheap?

Marni — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 21:25:03 GMT

Frugal or Just Plain Cheap?

We recently did a lesson about being frugal. Now, some might say that being frugal is really the same thing as being cheap, but I don't think so, and I will attempt to explain why in this blog. I have been frugal for most of my adult life, and I would venture to say it is hereditary, meaning it is in my blood. My grandmothers were both extremely generous with me but also pretty careful with their money, i.e. frugal. I grew up clipping coupons and organizing them for both my grandmother and my mother. It is a trait I still keep alive as I am an avid coupon user. Now if I could just figure out the organizational part I would really make my mother proud.

I have wrestled with the idea that I am too frugal or, in all honesty, that I am really cheap. Most of my friends are extremely generous with their money. Truth be told, I think that most of my friends make more money than I do. I have always been careful with my money and try to spend it wisely. I save as much as possible because you never know when an emergency might strike. This fear of emergencies of mine seems a little bit of paranoia at times. If I feel like I am spending too much, then I start to panic and make myself go on spending freezes.

Now, to get to the heart of what it means to be frugal. For me, it is a way of life because I don’t know any better. I have excluded myself from activities or events that I feel are too expensive because of my frugality. I have denied items that I feel are too expensive and have returned more than my fair share of items if I find the same item for a cheaper price. This is how I am frugal. Is it a bad thing? I suppose in some ways, it prevents me from enjoying some things in life, but on the other hand, I am very good with my money and I never spend beyond my means. I always say if I win the lottery, then I will buy everyone I know fabulous things but until that day I am going to continue to save my money and spend wisely. Perhaps I am deluding myself and I am really just cheap, but I live a pretty good life. Maybe just maybe, I have my frugal ways to thank.

Getting Organized

Marni — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:39:45 GMT

Getting Organized

I have been sitting at home today trying to get organized, which I must say is a difficult thing to do. I went through a “junk drawer,” which in American culture is the drawer that everything gets thrown into and eventually it looks like a tornado hit it, at least mine did. I did things like put all of my rubber bands in a bag, put all of my batteries together, and I recycled small plastic containers. Doesn’t this sound like an awesome way to spend the day?

Now it may sound simplistic, but there is something about getting organized that makes me feel more productive in general. I have been looking at files and thinking about future lesson plans for my students, making phone calls, setting up appointments, making to do lists and even crossing some items off that list. Now, you might be asking, “She was able to get all of that from organizing a junk drawer?” I guess my answer is, "Well, yes!" The junk drawer was the beginning of what has spiraled into a full-blown reorganization project for my whole life.

I should say that as if a whole life redo isn’t enough, I have another reason for spending the day organizing. My parents are coming for the holidays. They live out of state and will be staying for a week. I am excited to have them here. In terms of mess vs neatness, however, I often feel like my adult house looks far worse than my teenage bedroom ever did, and this makes their visit a little stressful. By spending the day organizing, I am making it far easier on myself to get some cleaning done over the weekend. It is nice to feel productive and it is also nice to live without clutter. I have assembled a bag of things to donate to charity, some other items I would like to sell, and I have even assembled a pile of things I can use in the classroom. I love getting organized. I love the way I feel right now. I hope it lasts. Now that is the real trick.

Giving Thanks For the Not So Little Things

Marni — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 08:53:03 GMT

Giving Thanks For the Not So Little Things

It is that time of year again when one such as myself likes to take stock in all that I have to be thankful for. I know I may have blogged about this in the past, but I think it is extremely important to examine one’s life and realize just how much we have to be thankful for. I know that I am not alone in this because many people, Americans specifically, spend far too much time lamenting about all of the things we wish we had. This is not productive or healthy, but merely human nature, I suspect. Anyway, now that I have acknowledged that I am guilty of this, here are some of the things I am thankful for….

I am thankful for my family and friends. I know this is a no-brainer, but I don’t tell them enough, so I will tell you all that I have a great family and I am extremely lucky. I also have an incredible support network in my friends, whom I love dearly. Now these might be obvious things to be thankful for but they are important. Before I can proceed, they needed to be acknowledged first.

The other things I am thankful for might be a little more obscure. For instance, I am very thankful that I am frugal. If you're frugal, it means you don't like to spend a lot of money. I like to think of being frugal as spending money wisely but others might think of it as being cheap. I have always been careful with my money ever since I was a teenager.

I am also very thankful for my education. I teach and I realize how valuable an education is and how lucky we are that education is so readily available in the United States. Now, I am not saying that we don’t have a lot of problems in our education system in this country. We do. But when I read about places in the world where kids are gathering on cold dirt floors doing math problems without a teacher (read Three Cups of Tea), then I realize how lucky we are to have access to education. I believe that one should always make the most of their opportunities. I am acknowledging how thankful I am for education as it is really the key to everything in life

Of all of the many things I have to be thankful for, these two seemed especially relevant this holiday season as I pay off my student loans. In doing so, I am constantly reminded what a wise investment I have made in myself and for that I am truly thankful.

So Sore!

Marni — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:31:32 GMT

So Sore!

Oh, Ebaby! members, I am sitting in front of my computer and I can barely type the words you see in front of you. Yesterday, I went to a class at the gym that nearly killed me. Now, I have taken this class before but it had been a while and so I figured after a month of hardly exercising that I could just breeze in, work out, and feel awesome again. Today, it hurts to even bend over and tie my shoes.

Now, I enjoy working out, but I was out of town recently and got out of my routine, which means I did not exercise at all. So yesterday, I forced myself to go to this class. I should have been more prepared for the intensity of the class, but alas, I was a little naïve about how out of shape I’d become.

The instructor is pretty interesting. She is tiny and fit and she makes you push yourself to do more. She would have made an excellent army drill sergeant. Basically I would have felt ashamed if I couldn't do all of the things she asked of us. In addition to this, most of the class was much older than I am so I really would have felt lame if I couldn't power through the exercises. Today, I am paying the price. I now realize that I cannot afford to go a month without exercising. As sore as I am in today, I plan on going back next week. We have a saying in the U.S. that goes, no pain, no gain. Let me tell you that the pain part is certainly true.

To Facebook or Not To Facebook

Marni — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 10:22:10 GMT

To Facebook or Not To Facebook

I have a confession to make. Perhaps it isn't so much a confession as an admission of how out of the loop (out of touch) I am with modern society. What I am trying to say is that I am not on any social networking site, well, except for this one, but this is academic, whereas Facebook is not. Frankly I was on Facebook for a few months and it terrified me. I thought it was so weird that people I hadn't talked to in fifteen years could all of a sudden be there requesting my friendship. It meant they had searched for me , right, and while I suppose I could think that was flattering, it really freaked me out.

I have family all over the country and I would love to be able to use it as a way to keep in touch with them, but that is a slippery slope. I could limit my contact to out of town friends only. The problem, the real problem as I see it with Facebook or any other site like it, is that most of my friends are using it as a way to notify us of anything that is going on in their lives. For example I recently missed out on my friend's baby shower because I wasn't on Facebook. I didn't even know they were having one because that is the only way they told people about the shower. I was a little dismayed at first and then I realized I am the only one not on Facebook. Of course that is how they notified people because everyone else they would want to be there would be in the know.

Now I am ranting about this because I feel like I missed the boat. All of a sudden we don't call or e-mail each other, we just Facebook information? Is this the tipping point and I missed it and now I can never catch up? Those of us that aren't on are out of luck. I think about getting back on and then I remember all of the reasons I didn't like it in the first place. What is a gal to do? I either stand tall and continue to miss out on important events or I join again and dodge friend requests and constantly monitor my on-line persona. It is a weird and wonderful age we live in but sometimes I think I'd rather stay off the grid living a life of simplicity. Perhaps that is archaic but I don't know that I'll feel any closer to people being back on Facebook. I will just be better informed and more paranoid.

Goals

Marni — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 11:10:21 GMT

Goals

Perhaps it is the World Cup and the constant echo of the word "goal" that has made me think about goals.

Now, I am not talking game goals, I am talking about life goals.

Perhaps many of you have goals, something that you would like to achieve. Maybe you have a goal for the next month, next year, or within your lifetime. I, however, feel like I am in a goal rut. I have been examining my life lately, and I can’t help but wonder how I got to the place I am now.

Don’t get me wrong, I am very happy and content with my life but I have been in sort of a similar place for several years now. I am only getting older and I keep wondering if I will have a major life shift at some point or more importantly that I will seek out that life shift. I made a comment to Devan about having a baby and we both kind of sat back and realized, wow, we are getting older and these things happen, but when do you feel ready for them? Perhaps you never feel ready.

Now I do have one very distinct life goal. It may seem kind of silly but I have been very fortunate to travel a lot these past 6 years and I would like to travel to all 7 continents in my lifetime. Is that a novel goal? Is that really something to strive for? I wish I could say I have a goal to end world hunger, or cure cancer, or single handedly save the environment, but these are incredibly unrealistic goals. I do not have a science background or any political savvy. I am just a person who is very lucky to live in the United States and has the luxury of pondering goals.

I need to set up some realistic goals. I need to envision my life, where I want to be, and how I will get there. That is the logical path for setting and achieving goals, right? Maybe some day I will get to all 7 continents, and maybe not, but it is fun to have that idea to look forward to. Maybe with that goal in mind it will help shape my more immediate goals. I can concentrate more on giving myself to others, volunteering more and doing some of the things I have always talked about doing but never have. Now those seem like realistic goals.

Sex and the City 2

Marni — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:12:19 GMT

Sex and the City 2

I have been out of the country for a while traveling and so I am readjusting a little bit still to my life in the US. I feel like I have so many things to blog about and yet I feel compelled to rant about something I just saw. It was so vile, so awful, that I feel like a geyser of angry adjectives about to erupt. Members, I am talking about the new Sex and the City movie or what I like to refer to as Ishtar in Heels.

I should preface this rant by informing you of what a huge fan I was of the series. The series was revolutionary for women and I say that with all sincerity. Not only did they have believable women (except for the income to wardrobe ratio) talking about things that women with close relationships actually talk about, but it was some of the most groundbreaking roles for women in television. I actually own all six complete series and they are well loved.

You might imagine that being such a huge fan of the series I couldn't wait for the first movie and you would be right. I rarely if ever see a movie on opening night but there I was in the huge cue of women in my fancy duds waiting to see Carrie and the gals in all their glamour on the big screen. I liked the first movie. I felt it was a little long but it did a good job of giving you a little more of what you want while nicely wrapping up any unanswered questions. When I heard they were making another movie I was skeptical, and with good reason. After seeing the film I am simply appalled. I have never been so embarrassed for actors in a film as I was while watching that sad excuse of a sequel.

The first hour wasn't too bad, a little boring, but it was good to see all of the characters again. The thing about the first hour or so of the film is that they are in New York and its surrounding areas. New York is and has always been the fifth character. It plays an integral role in the series. Whenever the characters leave New York, they always spiral. They are out of their element and become literal fish out of water. They can't relate to other people. They can't behave. They quite simply can't function and this is exactly when Sex and the City 2 takes a huge nose-dive. New York is a place where anything goes and when they leave the sacred, protective arms of New York and head for of all places Abu Dhabi, well let’s just say, let the cringing begin.

I watched in horror as the women go to Abu Dhabi and make complete fools of themselves. Miranda tries to embrace their new surroundings with some semblance of grace by buying some travel guides and learning the basics of Arabic. The rest of the clan might as well have read the manual on all things not to do in an Islamic country because that is exactly where the film goes. Samantha the eldest, sex-crazed character, who I always admired for her boldness, is the worst of the lot. She can’t understand why she needs to cover up her body, why she needs to tone down the sex talk, and why everyone in Abu Dhabi is so uptight about sex. In one horrible climactic scene when her bag is spilled out on the ground while surrounded by a group of Muslim Men, she explodes like a lunatic, screaming that she has sex while waving a stack of condoms in their faces. It is so offensive that I was astounded that not one of the actors or producers looked at that scene in the editing room and thought, “Hmmm, maybe we should rethink this.” Samantha is supposed to be so liberated, but she ends up looking like a crazy woman. I secretly wished someone would stone her. Or maybe I just felt like something needed to be flung because I know I sure wanted to throw something at the screen.

If the filmmakers wanted to make a feminist critique about Muslim women and their roles in modern society, then they totally missed the mark. This film did nothing but make American women look like idiots and Americans in general look like insensitive, brutish jerks. Thanks a lot Michael Patrick King for setting us back 100 years.

Sick of Being Sick

Marni — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:50:58 GMT

Sick of Being Sick

As I sat in front of my computer last night I wondered what I should blog about. I haven't been feeling well the past few days and now I have a full-blown cold. My motivation to blog or do anything for that matter has been sapped. Then it hit me. I should blog about being sick because frankly, that is all I can think about.

I have been working because in America that is what many of us do, even though we shouldn't. I wish I could afford to take the time off but sickness never comes at a convenient time, right? Aside from working I am trying to take really good care of myself. I have been going to bed early, drinking tons of tea, eating well, taking vitamin C and other wellness items like Echinacea. I have been gargling with hot salt water and even started using a Neti pot, which is kind of weird but I like weird. So why do I still feel like crap? A friend of mine recently said, "you need to add whiskey to that routine," and so I did, but to no avail.

Now it should be said that I work with kids and kids are like little germ factories. Still this is the third round of sickness I have been hit with this school year and frankly I am sick of being sick!! I just spent the last hour in a steam room trying to sweat out every last ounce of sickness and yet as I am typing this, I want so badly to stick my head in the sand. So if any of you dear English Baby members have a remedy you can recommend I am open to suggestions. I don't know if there is a cure all out there but I know I sure haven't found it. So won't you please, please help me!!

Ok, I need to lie down now.

'Tis the Season

Marni — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:13:59 GMT

'Tis the Season

It is hard for me to believe that another year has passed and that holiday season is now in full swing. Thanksgiving is a big one for my family and me. It is the one time a year we all get together. I like Thanksgiving because it is a holiday that is all about celebrating who and what you are thankful for and it all revolves around my favorite activity, eating! I am very thankful for my family, my friends, for the wonderful city that I live in, and for my health. Oh, I better knock on wood for that last one!

Now no matter what holiday you might celebrate in December, and there are a few of them, December is always intense. I celebrate Christmas. I am not someone who thinks ahead and so I am always scrambling at the last minute to buy gifts and food and to whip my house into shape for anyone who may come to visit. Every year I tell myself that next year I am going to be on top of things, but alas, it never happens. I have resigned myself to the fact that I am a last minute person and that is just the way it is. It doesn't help that I always work extra jobs in December in order to make more money. This, in conjunction with holiday parties, makes it a really busy month. No matter how much I am in denial about it, December is here. Once again I have to hurry, hurry, hurry! Oh well, maybe all of the rushing around will help me burn off those extra pounds I packed on during Thanksgiving. Gobble, gobble!

Happy Holidays English, baby Members! See you in 2010.

I'm a-Going Peeping!

Marni — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:51:20 GMT

I'm a-Going Peeping!

One of the things I love about being an English, baby! cast member is how much I learn from my fellow cast members. At our most recent shoot, we discussed the beauty of fall and I learned of the term "leaf peeping." I thought it was some new dirty term for voyeurism, but as it turns out, I am a leaf peeper. Leaf peeping is the act of traveling to see fall leaves changing color.

Now, I have been thinking a lot about this since that fall is in full swing here in the US. I love the change of seasons and am usually fully aware of the first signs of fall. This year, however, fall sneaked up on me. That is to say, I have been so busy I hadn't even noticed that all the leaves changed colors. This worries me. Leaf peeping is one of the simplest and easiest ways one can still interact with nature. It is a time to behold the wonder of nature. I, like many people, have been so caught up in my daily life that I hadn't even noticed this phenomenon-taking place. It was as if someone turned a switch this year and all of a sudden everything was orange, yellow, and red instead of green. Am I really so detached from what is going on outside my door that something as obvious as the change of seasons has alluded me this year?

Due to this recent revelation, I have made a vow to embrace my inner leaf peeper. I plan to actively go out to a remote area, which isn't hard to do here in Portland, and take the time to observe the beauty of fall. I have decided I will make it an annual event much like we did as a family growing up in New England where the changing of the leaves is practically an industry since so many tourists come to see the beautiful trees.. I will take a day to go out and enjoy the wonders that nature provides because it is a remarkable occurrence and one that is worth peeping at.

Something Scary This Way Comes

Marni — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:49:26 GMT

Something Scary This Way Comes

October has been my favorite month ever since I was a little girl. Back then, it was for the selfish reason that it's my birth month. Now, as an adult, I have come to love October because, in honor of Halloween, October equals scary movie month.

I don't know what it is about scary movies but I LOVE THEM!!!!!!!! I can't get enough. I often wonder if there is something wrong with me. I mean why do I like horror films so much? I am not a violent person. The sight of blood makes me queasy. So why is it when it is on the big screen, it is all OK and even appealing? I don't have an answer but I do have some favorite horror films. So if you, like me, have an inkling towards the macabre, here are five films I'd recommend viewing.

1. The Shining - This movie never ceases to be scary. It is a classic Stanley Kubrick film based on the novel by Stephen King. It stars Jack Nicholson and he has never been better or scarier. If you take away one thing and one thing only from this film it's, REDRUM!

2. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Original version) - The remake was terrible so if you have never seen the original 70's film, you must. Texas has always seemed a little scary and this film confirms it. Now whenever I hear a chainsaw fire up, I bolt!

3. Ils (Them) - This is a French-Romanian horror film that blew me away when I first saw it. It is based on actual events (which always makes things scarier) and is 77 minutes of pure fear. I watched the entire film through a slit in my fingers with my hands across my face in a fetal position. No Joke!!!!!

4. The Descent - Spelunking has always terrified me but this film assured me that I will never go crawling around in caves. My God, women can be so cruel, especially when they don't know who or what is watching them!!!!

5. Halloween - Again, the original Halloween, not the remake. I haven't seen the Rob Zombie version but I always believe you shouldn't mess with a good thing and believe me; the original is a good thing. Jamie Lee Curtis stars in this film and she is brilliant as the sister of the crazed killer who enacts revenge on her. Watch it this month in honor of Halloween if you dare!!!

John Hughes: Death of a Teen Icon

Marni — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:31:12 GMT

John Hughes: Death of a Teen Icon

When we get together to discuss topics for English lessons, it seems that lately I am constantly bringing up celebrities who've passed away as potential topics. There have been a lot of celebrity deaths this summer, but one that has me particularly saddened is the passing of filmmaker John Hughes. We did not do a lesson on John Hughes because our main man Jason, said, "Who's that?" If you, like Jason, have no idea who John Hughes is, then I suggest you run to your local video store, netflix cue, or whatever means you use to watch movies these days, and watch one of his films.

John Hughes defined what it meant to be a teenager in the '80s. Most of his films were stories about American teenagers sifting through the emotional filth of being a teenager. Some of his classics are Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

If you haven't seen any of these films, then I might suggest starting with The Breakfast Club. The Breakfast Club is a classic because of its central message. The film is about five teenagers serving a Saturday detention. Each character is the embodiment of a certain high school stereotype. You have the popular girl, the jock, the nerd, the weirdo girl, and the burnout or "criminal" as he is referred to in the film. Throughout the movie these five teens realize they have more in common than they thought and they come to rely on each in ways they never imagined. I think that this film stands the test of time, even though it was made in 1985, because teenagers today still grapple with the same issues of fitting in and feeling like outcasts.

John Hughes was a film maker who made being a teen more manageable for those of us growing up in the '80s and '90s. His style is unlike any teen movie or shows being made today. He will be missed but his legacy will live on in his films.

Waste Not, Compost Now!

Marni — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:43:56 GMT

Waste Not, Compost Now!

Ah, my morning ritual...peel a banana, peel an orange, and maybe add some fresh berries to my cereal. When it comes time to clean up, where does a conscientious gal put her food scraps? Why, in the compost bin of course.

I have been composting for at least 8 years. It is a no-brainer for me, meaning it is so easy it is like breathing, but many people still throw their food waste into the garbage creating more waste, and more methane gas in landfills. Composting is one of the best things you can do to cut down on waste and it has the added benefit of providing soil for the plants and the vegetables I grow in my garden.

Here on the west coast of the United States many businesses are starting to look into composting to reduce waste. In my city, Portland, Oregon, I have the pleasure of working for some companies that do just that. But San Francisco just made it a law to compost to reduce waste! I know that this is already the case in many European countries and perhaps our better-educated members can let me know some other countries that have the infrastructure in place to collect composting as well.

I hope to see this composting trend increase as we look to see what ways we as humans can cut down on our waste output. It is a very easy and effective way to recycle. There are many ways to do it, so figure out what works best for you and start composting today!

Brides, bridesmaids, and me

Marni — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:01:05 GMT

Brides, bridesmaids, and me

There is a saying in America that goes ... "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride." It is a saying supposedly uttered by lamenting women everywhere as they are in yet another wedding party as a beautiful bridesmaid but not a beautiful bride. Is being a bride supposed to be the ultimate achievement for a woman? As someone who has been both a bridesmaid and a bride, I beg to differ.

In America I believe the stats are that one in three marriages ends in divorce. I think people, women in particular, are more excited about weddings than they are about marriages. I have made that mistake and to that I say, never again.

So this summer as I go to yet another wedding I will sit and root for the happy couple because, despite what you may think, I am a believer in love. I will be grateful that I am a mere spectator and not in front of everyone in uncomfortable shoes trying to suck in my gut and look "perfect." I will sit back and relax because I am there to support the couple as people embracing a future of uncertainty. I will look at the bride and smile and hope that she is one lady beating the odds. I know it isn't romantic, it's just reality.

Just Can't Get Enough

Marni — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:08:16 GMT

Just Can't Get Enough

I am still shocked by the fact that Depeche Mode, a band that I have loved for longer than some of you have been alive, is doing its first ever arena tour. It seems surprising to me that a band of their caliber is doing its first arena tour ever, but perhaps I misjudged their stature. I'll admit I haven't been as up to speed on their more current efforts , but whenever I listen to them I am instantly transported back to my teenage bedroom listening to DM on cassette tape and dreaming of what is to be. I associate them so much with a certain period of my life that they are an incredibly nostalgic band for me.

I am a fan of their earlier work, meaning most of the albums that came out in the 80's. Their first release, Speak and Spell, has what I'd probably consider my favorite Depeche Mode song. Hint: It's the one for which this blog is named after. I would have to say that my favorite albums are Music for the Masses and Black Celebration.

So here's to Depeche Mode for getting me through heartache, break -ups, crushes, and changes. For a band that has been around for nearly 30 years, it seems to be about time that they synth-rock the arena world.

A Teacher Asks, "What Makes a Good Teacher?"

Marni — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:46:27 GMT

A Teacher Asks, "What Makes a Good Teacher?"

My conversation with Devan was very near and dear to my heart. I believe that the profession of teaching is one of the most important professions there is. There really are very few jobs that have such a global effect. So I have been pondering this question, What makes a good teacher good? I think it has to do with being passionate about your subject matter as Devan mentioned in our conversation, but it also has to do with truly loving to work with students.

I work with six and seven year olds and while they are adorable, sometimes it sucks the life out of me. Some days I think I will never be able to do my job again. Then I go back and I will have had some small moment of connecting with a child that makes all the difference in the world. The fact of the matter is, it is those small moments of helping a child understand a concept or seeing them make gains in their reading or speech that are so gratifying. They make up for all of the challenging aspects of teaching.

Now, I know that college professors are a different beast altogether and most of you reading this are at that point in your academic career. For a moment now go back and think about all of the teachers you had growing up. If you had a lot of good teachers throughout your formative years, then you probably have a much easier time succeeding in your continuing education. I also bet that most of your good teachers really loved working with kids.

I'd like to close by mentioning one of my favorite bumper stickers that I see on cars here in the U.S.. It says, "If you can read this, thank a teacher." Teachers are a vital part of society and they are very under appreciated. So here in my blog, I'd like to take a minute to salute all of the good teachers out there for doing great work.

The Funny Making of the Coma Scene

Marni — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:17:03 GMT

The Funny Making of the Coma Scene

OK, so I know that comas are about the most unfunny thing in the world, but filming the coma episode with Beren and Jason was a laugh riot. Is that terrible? Well perhaps, but seeing a coma victim wrap himself in paper towels and suspend himself in mid air is far more funny than tragic. In an effort to educate our dear users we lost it about seven times before we were finally able to get through a minute of filming without busting a gut, (that's a euphemism for laughing). My favorite part was trying to relay how Jason ended up in a coma (because he slipped on a banana peel) and even Alexis, who was working the camera, started laughing causing the camera to shake.

You see we may not be the best of actors, but we sure know how to make a coma a good time!

Confessions of a Cry Baby

Marni — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:16:08 GMT

Confessions of a Cry Baby

I ended my conversation with Mason about The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by slyly dropping that I had cried during the film. What I didn't mention was that I actually cried for the entirety of the film. With a running time of almost three hours, you can imagine what I looked like by the time the credits rolled. I don't know if it was me or the message I took from the film, but it deeply affected me. It made me think about mortality, lost opportunities, and true love. By the time the ugly old man baby was born, there were some serious water works!

Anyhow, it should be noted that I cry a lot during movies. Even films like Hancock make me cry. Yes you read that right, Hancock. So if you, like me, are a cry baby, then The Curious Case of Benjamin Button may just send you over the edge.