Fa Ra Ra Ra Ra

I am Jewish. I was born and raised Jewish. We celebrated Hanukkah while growing up and I was lucky enough to get presents on each of the 8 nights as a child. Most of my friends growing up were also Jewish. There were the fair share of gentiles in the neighborhood and obviously the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas were and still are everywhere, especially on TV.  (I mean, are there even any Hanukkah movies anyway?) There are so many Christmas movies out there, old and new, and I have my favorites. (I am also not ashamed to admit I have never seen It's a Wonderful Life. Sue me.) Some are very popular and on all the time, especially in the time leading up to Christmas. And some just come on once or twice right before Christmas. Nonetheless, I must watch each one of the movies below at least once to get in the holiday spirit.

1. A Very Brady Christmas. This is probably the rarest of the Christmas movies because it is on only like once a year. I search and search for this movie for when it is going to be on and I make sure to watch it in real time. It's pretty much my favorite Christmas movie. I just love the Bradys and their hijinks. In this movie, they are all grown up (everyone is the original actor and actresses except for Cindy) and they come together for Christmas. Priceless. (This is no particular scene in the movie, but a nice montage of this fantastic family movie.)

2. Elf. This movie is usually on TV at least once a week right after Thanksgiving. I can watch it over and over again even though I own it on DVD. Will Ferrell nailed this role as Buddy the Elf and it makes me laugh out loud almost every single time.

3. A Christmas Story. TBS made this movie even more spectacular by running their 24-hour of A Christmas Story. From the leg lamp to learning that your tongue will indeed stick to a frozen flagpoll, this movie has it all. There are way too many classic scenes to count but to me, this movie is Christmas.

4. Bad Santa. I first saw this movie in the theater with my family on Christmas Day (that's what us Jews do on Christmas) and all of us loved it. It's totally not a family movie in any sense, but because we all have a such dirty sense of humor (my mom pretends not to, but def does), we all enjoyed it and were laughing out asses off. How could we not grow to love little Thurman Murman?

5. The Santa Clause. This is another movie I can watch over and over again. I don't know what it is about this movie, but I really like it. I think its just Tim Allen. When I was younger, I had a weird crush on him even though he was a dad. Weird.

Honorable Mentions: Home Alone (and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York), Scrooged, and (The original) Babes in Toyland

We all have our favorite holiday movies and most of them are on the "25 Days Of Christmas" movies on ABC family leading up to Christmas. And if not, they are at some point before the big day. There is nothing better than putting on some sweats and hopping on the couch with some hot chocolate to get this Jewish girl in the Christmas spirit.

A marathon of emotions

Well, it happened again last night: The Biggest Loser made me cry. Damn you BL, you get me every time with your damn marathon episode.  It's one of the my favorite episodes of each season and by far one of the most inspiring. Of course I cried like a baby. Watching these people that were so morbidly obese just months ago run 26. 2 miles absolutely blows me away. These are people went from couch potatoes to marathon runners in such a short matter of time, changing their lives in between and it is absolutely incredible.

Because I am selfish, the marathon episode also always make me think of my first marathon and all the emotions that came along right with it. I mean, it's a marathon, 26.2 miles, and to truly understand its meaning you have to had run one. I mean, I can't even watch one on TV or in real life, without tearing up because I know what it takes to complete it. It's really an incredible physical feat for anyone and something I think everyone should experience if they can. It will truly change your life. A marathon is a physically and mentally draining event and anyone who runs one impresses the hell out of me and that in itself is no easy task.

I have run five marathons and they never get any easier. Each time its a challenge and that's why I do it. I get some weird gratification (torturing myself with the training and) competing with myself each time and completing this distance. With all the pain comes all the pride and that is something I will have forever.

Running a marathon was never something on my bucket list. When I was a senior in college, I was feeling like a fat-fuck from drinking all the time and eating everything in sight and decided that I needed something to help get motivated to start running again. As an athlete, I always like to have something to work towards, so I decided that I would try to run a marathon. I didn't know anyone who had run one before and I had no idea of the time and energy that actually went into training for and running one, but I knew this would be the goal that I needed to get me back on track. I went on my computer, signed up for the Chicago Marathon, paid, and pressed send. I knew once I paid that entry fee, there was no turning back.

I trained all summer for that marathon. (Mind you I had never run a race further than a 5k (3.1 miles) before so this was a bit of a challenge.) I slowly built up my endurance. Eventually I was doing 20 milers in Central Park. It was def unenjoyable but I sucked it up and did it. Alone most of the time. Each time my mileage went up, I impressed myself and came home so proud of myself. Each time I was running further and further and faster and faster. When marathon day came, I was as ready as I was going to be and I was excited. I was just about to embark on something only 1% of the population can say they have done. And I knew I was going to finish, even if someone had to drag my carcass across the finish line.  I honestly didn't think that something like a race would change me. I mean, really, I was just running...for a long time.

At the start of the race I was excited and nervous. They played the national anthem and I cried. I was inspired by the 30,000 people around me who were about to embark on this amazing journey, something we all worked really hard for. As the race went on I was feeling pretty good. Each mile I ran was one less until the finish line. Once I hit mile 20 I got super excited because I had never exceeded that distance before. That feeling alone was pretty awesome. (Surprisingly I never hit "the wall" either.) As soon as I saw that finish line I began to cry again and continued to cry until I crossed the finish. Even though there were thousands of people around me, I felt alone in my own world of accomplishment. It was fantastic. I couldn't believe I did it. I just ran 26-point-freaking-2 miles. That feeling is truly indescribable and I was surprised that those exact emotions came back to me each of the 4 succeeding marathons I have run. I can honesty say that each time I run a marathon, it's a difficult and challenging task...yet I welcome it. Also, because I want to better my previous time, it gets more difficult and I put more pressure on myself.  However, the end always justifies the mean more than I can ever tell you. The emotions you feel are priceless and are worth the time and the pain.

Whether its a 5k, a 10k, a half marathon or a full, and whether you are running to lose weight, to get healthy, or just for fun, completing something you didn't think you could achieve will be one of the happiest moments in your life and something no one will ever be able to take away from you. And if you are someone who doesn't think its possible for you, just watch one of the marathon episodes of Biggest Loser and prepare to be inspired. ( Just make sure you have Kleenex handy!)

I Need to Take the Car for a Test Drive

On Sunday night a new show premiered on TLC called The Virgin Diaries. And let me tell you, I could not turn away. At all. The show features men and women that are virgins and follows their story lines for one episode. This first episode followed an engaged couple (aged 27 and 29), a single 35-year-old man, and 3 single female virgin roommates (aged 29, 29, and 30). One of these girls is a born-again/reclaimed virgin, and frankly, that doesn't count to me. Sorry Sweetheart.

I usually don't stay up to watch these shows but this one really piqued my interest and had me up past my bedtime. Screw the DVR tonight, I wanted to watch this bad boy in real time. And man was I glad I stayed up. This shit was fantastic. I mean, think about it...Do you know any 30 year old virgins? Or even any 20-year old virgins? Most likely not, so therefore our fascination with them increases ten-fold. This is probably the reason TLC decided to do a show on it. Brillz.

Now hear me out, I understand if someone wants to save their virginity until their wedding night. Completely legit. Your virginity is something very special to give your partner. Props to you for holding onto it. That is not that path I would take, but good for them. To each their own. I am a firm believer in test driving the car before you buy it whether you are virgin or not to begin with. (It's not worth the risk of getting a lemon...if you know what I mean. I mean, ask Charlotte in SATC!) I am sure saving yourself for marriage takes a lot of self control, and it will make the wedding night that much more special, but that is not in the cards for me. In fact, that ship has sailed. And its far, far away.

Not to be outdone by straight up virgins, there is also one couple on the show, that takes saving themselves to a whole other level: They haven't even kissed on the lips. They are also saving that for their wedding day. I mean, really? Who has that kind of self-control? And with someone they love?  But let me tell you, that first kiss...it was just....wow. Look out. As soon as the priest said "You may kiss the bride" there was an awkward pause between the couple and then WHOMP, they started kissing like they were eating each others faces off. And there was no stopping them for the rest of the night. Even their families found it humorous slash repulsive.  I of course, could not look away. I covered my mouth in horror and shock. Is this for real? Why yes, yes it is.

Waiting to kiss someone is for sure not even an option with me. I couldn't imagine not kissing someone within the first three dates, let alone a whole courting and engagement. I mean, that's just plain weird. (But this is coming from the girl who has made out with multiple dudes in one evening.) I just don't get it. That must take some serious restraint (and even more serious male (and female) blue balls). Ouch.

On top of being virgins, these people obviously don't drink alcohol either (also fine, but not my thing) or else the kissing and/or sex would (or should) have happened already. Casey, the 35 year-old virgin, who isn't necessarily a virgin by choice, went on a first date with one woman and revealed his virginity status to her to which she replied "Didn't you ever get hammered in college?" and then told the camera in her confessional "He needs to get hammered....and find a girl...that's hammered. And Just do it." Hahahaha. Truth. Right there. I mean, honestly, I truly think that anyone if someone, male or female, wants to get laid on any given night, it can be done. A dark bar, lots of alcohol, and little shame. Done and done. Happens all the time. All the time.

However, on the flip side, I completely understand if you've waited this long already, you really should save it for someone special. And you def should. But yes, the pressure will continue to mount. If you are like Casey and just want to "get it over with," I am sure you can find many willing participants that do not include prostitutes (which his mother suggested to him). So get on that...literally AND figuratively. 

Overall, this show was seriously fascinating and I cannot wait to tune in next week and see who they feature. And if you missed it on Sunday, find it on your guide and set your DVR. Now.

Singing Myself Home

I just finished reading Jodi Picoult's new book Sing You Home. One of the main characters in the book is a music therapist and at the beginning of the book, she goes on to explain how certain songs can evoke memories in people. How upon hearing a certain song, it can bring you back to that place emotionally. How you were feeling and experiencing at that time. In my opinion, this concept is so very true, and it started to make me think of songs that I hear and bring me back to certain (usually special) times in my life. I can think of numerous songs that I only need to hear the first five seconds of and they will transform back to a place in time. Sometimes that song might bring m back to a sad time, but usually the song takes me back to a very happy and fun time in my life. Below are 5 songs that I hear and right away and automatically get me transform me back to a "happy place."

1. Thong Song (Sisco) and Big Pimpin' (Jay-Z)  Remember back in the day, when big events would come up and you'd make a mix tape or a mix CD to remember that event. I use to make them all the time for flights when going on vacation and for road trips in college. One of the best mix CD's I ever made was for my senior year of high school spring break trip with my girlfriends. We went on a Carribbean cruise that spring break and it was such a fun time. We played that mix over and over again. I listened to it on the airplane and we played it on the deck of the ship and on the beach over and over again. Today, when I hear either of those songs, usually on shuffle on my iPod, I instantly get a smile on my face and can't help but shake my head to the beats of the music and the good times I had with my girlfriends on that trip. 

2. Forever Young (Rod Stewart) I will usually hear this song listening to classic rock on some random station in someone's car and it brings me back to seventh grade. This is the song that my Bat Mitzvah montage starts off with. As the song plays, there are pictures of me on the screen of me in different points of my life and you can see me growing up. The second I hear that song, I can picture that montage in my head. Damn, I was so adorable when I was little.

3. Ignition (R. Kelly) and In Da Club (50 Cent).  My junior year of college, my mom and I went to Florida for about 5 days together to visit my grandparents. We also made small road trips daily to Ft. Lauderdale, South Beach, etc... and would bump tunes in the car and sing along. We listened to a lot of hip hop and pop radio stations and these two songs were pretty mainstream and played on both stations so we heard them a lot. And we'd sing along and out loud each time. My mom also knew all the words to both songs so we'd really rock out the duets each time. This was one of the best trips I have ever been on. It was the first vacation my mom and I ever took just the two of us and really solidified our relationship. She is truly my best friend and its funny to think how much R. Kelly and 50 Cent could brought us so much closer.Whenever I hear these songs, I think of all our adventures that trip and all the memories we made together.

4. Crank That (Soulja Boy). Believe it or not, this song reminds me of Israel? You see, a little after this song became popular I went on my Birthright trip to Israel. I was one of 2 people on that trip from NYC so that automatically upped my street cred in the group, natch. Not only did I know the words to the song, I knew the dance too. Pretty fly for a white Jewish girl, right? The trip was 10 days long and there wasn't a day on that trip that we didn't hear that song and I didn't perform the dance for our entire travel group. By the end of the trip, most of our 40 person group knew all the dance moves and we would often just break into dance on the middle of our bus. Israel didn't know what was hitting 'em.

5. I Will Survive (Gloria Gaynor). Every year in middle school there was a talent show. In seventh grade, three friends and myself decided to enter the show and lip sync and dance to this song. We choreographed the entire dance and had color coordinated costumes. Basically, we were the shit. I mean, we practiced our butts off for this show and when it was our time to perform, we nailed it. All the practice, time, and energy we put into our act paid off. We were a hit. Also, for the rest of the year, when this song came on at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs (which we may or may not have requested to the DJ), everyone circled around us as we danced our little hearts out with our awesome choreography. These days, I usually only hear this song at weddings or Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, but you better believe I will whip out some of my old dance moves and show everyone that I've still got it.

Some of the songs I listed above might mean nothing to you at all. They might also bring back a completely different type of memory for you. However, for me, I know that even writing this post helped me reminisce of great times in my life and how much music can really affect someone and change their mood. With so much more to come in my life, I know I will be able to connect to so many more songs, both old and new, and make new memories with them.

Boom-Shaka-Laka

I have been a teacher for the past seven years. And I love it. It is the only "real" job that I have had. I was a camp counselor then a camp director for many years in the summers of high school and college, and even worked at Bed, Bath, and Beyond...for three days. Retail wasn't for me.

As a teacher, I obviously get holidays off, as well as winter, spring, and summer vacations. Can't really complain about it. But sometimes....just sometimes, I wonder what it would be like if I had my "dream job." Like, if education, experience, and connections wasn't an issue, what would I absolutely love to do? That's easy, I would be a sports commentator on ESPN. That's right, I want to be a SportsCenter anchor. I make no apologies for my love for sports. Some might find it odd for a female to watch, play, and simply enjoy sports as much as I do. (And seriously for a girl like me to know so much about them and still be single, what's the deal?)

A few years back there was a show on ESPN called "Dream Job" where competitors vied for a position as an anchor on SportsCenter. I didn't know about it until it began and had only wish I had applied for that show. I would have dominated the competition.  Sure I have no broadcasting experience, but that's ok. I have natural charm and charisma that will captivate an audience. And if I was a sportscaster, I would have my own amazing catch phrase. Booyah. Boom-shaka-laka. Yahtzee. Or even "Boom goes the dynamite". It would be amazing. And an instant classic once it leaves my lips for the first time. People would be quoting me left and right. And I would be a legend. Damn, ESPN, just hire me now.

After I moved to NYC, I inquired about getting an internship down in Bristol, CT at ESPN, but they only took internships from college students. Since I was no longer in college, that option was not available to me which was a bummer. The only way for me to really go after this dream would be to quit my day job and put all my marbles into this dream. And as much as I want to do that, I just can't. I am a realist and at this point in my life, it's not in the cards. I wish I could drop everything to chase this dream but since money IS an object (that I don't have a lot of), I need to stick with my day job.  I am very happy being a teacher and if an opportunity arises to chase this dream for real, I will obviously jump at it, but until then, I will continue to just entertain my students which Biology catchphrases.