In Transit...

STUCK from Joe Ayala on Vimeo.

Head's up on this amazing video courtesy Tralalere - who has this to say: "Two guys made this video after being stuck in an airport in Dallas, with there flight delayed overnight. Homeland security is wondering how they got away with this."

My friend Sanaz finally got back to LA - after a not inconsiderable delay in Jersey. Next time, San. Next time. [Sanaz back in LA is relevant to you, dear readers, because this means that pictures from our Eilat vacation and awesome times in Haifa are forthcoming. Ahem.]

I'd Like to Meet You...

I don't Know - Lisa Hannigan Music Video from Stitch Films on Vimeo.

Sweet, sweet song from Lisa Hannigan - and such a lovely and crafty (dare I say dreamy?) video!

Or... some more rad music to last you through the longest night of the year: happy summer!

Bring on the Summer...

Bathing beauties circa the Victorian Era

Via Kissssing A Love Blog

So one of my besties is here in Israel - and we went down to Eilat on the north coast of the Red Sea this weekend. It was a pretty boss weekend, as evidenced by my tan.... But having a friend in town/prepping to move across the universe precludes other rad things like blogging. In due course, friends. In due course.

In other awesome news, Bon Iver's eponimous album, Bon Iver, comes out today - well... for those of you in the States, at least. And if you live in Israel - or in another cool place - you can hear it streamed here. Thanks, The Guardian (dot co dot uk). I appreciate you.

What Song are You Listening To...

I would like to shake the hand(s) of whoever made this video and had this idea - so awesome!

All credit to Will (of Doghouse Diaries and Forgotten Quotes fame) for the head's up.

I'm listening to Paint It Black by the Rolling Stones - part of my game day mix. The rhythm and tempo are good to get in your bones for pacing (to my runners and swimmers). Right now I'm hoping that it will conduce to motivate me to clean my house! Ha!

But I'm really stoked on the new (to me) songs I'm suddenly aware of! How about y'all? What are you listening to?

Protect Yourself...

My friend sent me this list of helpful assault-prevention tips. Think of them as a public service announcement...

1. Don’t put drugs in people’s drinks in order to control their behavior.

2. When you see someone walking by themselves, leave them alone!

3. If you pull over to help someone with car problems, remember not to assault them!

4. NEVER open an unlocked door or window uninvited.

5. If you are in an elevator and someone else gets in, DON’T ASSAULT THEM!

6. Remember, people go to laundry to do their laundry, do not attempt to molest someone who is alone in a laundry room.

7. USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM! If you are not able to stop yourself from assaulting people, ask a friend to stay with you while you are in public.

8. Always be honest with people! Don’t pretend to be a caring friend in order to gain the trust of someone you want to assault. Consider telling them you plan to assault them. If you don’t communicate your intentions, the other person may take that as a sign that you do not plan to rape them.

9. Don’t forget: you can’t have sex with someone unless they are awake!

10. Carry a whistle! If you are worried you might assault someone “on accident” you can hand it to the person you are with, so they can blow it if you do.

Gl-Gl-Glorious!

Namibia - via 19 Months

So I've just booked a small vacation in Rome! I'm really looking forward, particularly as I've never been to Italy (I know...). If you have any recommendations about things a person should absolutely do - and things that should be seen only if the time presents itself, holler at your girl!

But I think this little holiday - planned to coincide with my transition from Israel back to the United States - will be just the thing I need to look forward to to lessen the nervousness I feel about living in Orange County again.

Who knew that 4 years could be so long - or go so quickly!

...but seriously, sorry I'm so MIA. One of my besties is coming to visit next week, and I'm kind of (read: actually) freaking out about moving half-way around the world in less than 2 months. And finding a j.o.b.

Excuse me while I go breathe deeply - and stuff.

The Kid's Speech....

This little boy's enthusiasm is as catching as it is indefatigable!

And his 'keep trying' attitude? I love it!

Thanks to Tralalere for the head's up ...rock and roll!