I’ve heard the word “urban” inserted in as a substitute word for a lot of other words, mostly used to try to be PC about something. As a style of clothing or makeup, as a way to describe people of certain races, when talking about graffiti, describing types of music, etc. But when did “urban” begin to mean “curvy.” I mean, this is the style of jean I fit into, but when the marketing director was sitting up in his high chair thinking of how to describe Banana Republic’s curvy jean, was he thinking of me? Or was he thinking of being PC about race and a certain style of dress and culture? And what’s wrong with saying “curvy” or “contoured”?
On Sunday we had brunch at Cafe Henri. This is my bowl mug(?) of latte. We loved all the food. I had Le Croque Madame, an open-faced egg sandwich the ham near the country bread and with the cheese nice and toasted and an egg on the top. On the side was a salad. We liked everything we had so much and wanted to try so many other things on the menu that we joked about coming back for every meal, or at least for brunch the next day too.. but sadly we didn’t. I do think we’ve broken the Tournesol habit though (see here and here).
I was admiring the phone number on the sign of this building and then I realized that the entrance to the corporate apartment that I was looking for was at the same address. The door just to the left, under the solid blue awning.
I’d never stayed in a corporate apartment while working for Google. John inquired about arrangements before me and they put him in a studio apartment at The Atrium on Bleecker between Thompson and Sullivan. I was really familiar with that building since I lived there for a monthwhen I moved from San Diego to New York with Monster. I don’t know if The Atrium is all corporate apartments or what.
Anyway, when I got my corporate apartment information I was told that I’d be in a 3 bedroom apartment and in a possible mixed-gender situation. Which I was. I didn’t really mind that much. I assume everyone at Google is trustworthy, but it was still kind of strange to be staying with random strangers. Even more odd is that I dropped my suitcase off, went to dinner, came back and went to bed and got ready in the morning all without ever seeing anyone. I heard them and I saw their things, but I never actually saw any of my roommates.
The project that I’ve been work on for the last week, including some over the weekend and some really long work days this week, has included many tasks that do not come particularly easy for me. Things I’m not experienced in, but I’m learning and the end is in sight, so things are looking up. I’m heading to New York on Thursday for meetings and staying through the weekend to visit friends. During this last week of stressing over this project and working a lot, I saw the Boo Tube card and Google searches while trying to mindlessly watch TV. Work has been following me around and popping up in the places I least expect to find it!
So, I know Snow Patrol is old news, but they’re one of those bands whose music I have a good amount of (30 songs on iTunes and on my iPod), but who I never really recognize as being a great band. Until a song comes on that I really like and I find myself singing along going “who is this?” and then looking and realizing it’s Snow Patrol. I think it’s also because back in our FeedBurner office Eric used to play them loud on our speakers and I never knew who it was… and then I just knew them, without really knowing much about them. Anyway, the two Snow Patrol songs that I love are Chocolate from the Final Straw album and Hands Open from the Eyes Open album.
Chocolate
This could be the very minute
I’m aware I’m alive
All these places feel like home
With a name I’d never chosen
I can make my first steps
As a child of 25
This is the straw, final straw in the
Roof of my mouth falls as I lie to you
Just because I’m sorry doesn’t mean
I didn’t enjoy it at the time
You’re the only thing that I love
It scares me more every day
On my knees I think clearer
Goodness knows I saw it coming
Or at least I’ll claim I did
But in truth I’m lost for words
What have I done it’s too late for that
What have I become, truth is nothing yet
A simple mistake starts the hardest time
I promise I’ll do anything you ask…this time
Hands Open
It’s hard to argue when
you won’t stop making sense
But my tongue still misbehaves and it
keeps digging my own grave with my
Hands open, and my eyes open
I just keep hoping
That your heart opens
Why would I sabotage
the best thing that I have
Well, it makes it easier to know
exactly what I want with my…
Hands open and my eyes open
I just keep hoping
that your heart opens
It’s not as easy as willing it all to be right
Gotta be more than hoping it’s right
I wanna hear you laugh like you really mean it
Collapse into me, tired with joy
[x2]
Put Sufjan Stevens on
and we’ll play your favorite song
“Chicago” bursts to life and your
sweet smile remembers you, my
Hands open, and my eyes open
I just keep hoping
That your heart opens
It’s not as easy as willing it all to be right
Gotta be more than hoping it’s right
I wanna hear you laugh like you really mean it
Collapse into me, tired with joy
I’ve heard the word “urban” inserted in as a substitute word for a lot of other words, mostly used to try to be PC about something. As a style of clothing or makeup, as a way to describe people of certain races, when talking about graffiti, describing types of music, etc. But when did “urban” begin to mean “curvy.” I mean, this is the style of jean I fit into, but when the marketing director was sitting up in his high chair thinking of how to describe Banana Republic’s curvy jean, was he thinking of me? Or was he thinking of being PC about race and a certain style of dress and culture? And what’s wrong with saying “curvy” or “contoured”?
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