The Window Seat Is the Best Seat on the Plane

I've seen a lot of airports lately -- JFK, LaGuardia, O'Hare, DFW, Phoenix, Orlando -- and I've flown almost as many airlines. 

Most of them stink.

It's as though a bunch of execs piled in a room and brainstormed ways to squeeze every last ounce of fun out of air travel. 

Got a bag bigger than a lunchbox -- that'll be $25 to check it.  Oh, you wanted a seat that reclines?  That's $45.  And you'd like a fresh blanket that hasn't been recycled or covered with pee?  $10 please.

Even when you're flying cross-country, could they tack 75 cents onto the ticket price so they can toss you a "free" snack?

Nooooo.

Except glorious JetBlue. 

In my mind, they are the only airline that still cares that the plane ride is part of the journey, not the means to an end.  They still feed you snacks (as many as you'd like!) -- and I'm not talking 6 sweaty peanuts in a napkin.  Actual, brand-name, snack-sized snacks.

In fact, I got caught in one of those furlough disasters last month and they brought unlimited snacks and waters to the gate at JFK, where we were stuck for 8 hours while they sorted out who was on air traffic control in Chicago that day.  (I thought you were?  No, I thought YOU were!)

I had 3 bags of animal crackers.  It's the little things.

The cherry on top is that you can watch TV on all JetBlue flights.  Frankly, I could endure pretty much anything if I can watch TV while doing it.  Turbulence, my neighbor's bad breath, a screaming child kicking my seat?  Whatevs. 

I only have eyes for HGTV.

Regardless of the airline you fly, every bad flight can be made better when you're in the right seat.  Of course, the middle seat is ridiculous and should be outlawed.  But there's always controversy over whether the aisle or the window is better real estate. 

Let me clear this up:  The window seat is the best seat on the plane.

You can slide in there and never move.  Somebody has to go to the miniature rest room?  Not your problem.  Someone needs to throw out their trash?  Hand it to someone else.  Somebody's hogging the arm rest?  Go for it, you've got an armrest -- and a window -- all to yourself.

Sure, it's annoying when the lady next to you is all up in your space because she wants to look out your window (yes, Amelia Earhart, we're in the air -- get over it).  But isn't it worse when you're on the aisle and people keep hitting you in the shoulder with the beverage cart (most airline's last tie to civilization) and their butts?

Yes it is.

Am I right?  Of course I am.  But just for fun, where do YOU prefer to sit?  Vote below...

poll by twiigs.com

tags: polls, travel

Summer Shows

Sorry it's been so long since I last blogged. 

I was standing on line for a cronut.

Kidding.  Nobody can get their mitts on one of those.

I've actually been distracted because I started an awesome new job!  Wait... what's that you ask?  Did I get myself a present to celebrate like I like to do?

Well, I might (and I will) and if (when) I do, it will definitely be something small (or big).  I mean, who needs a boyfriend to buy you stuff (when a handbag named Louis follows you home)?

Now, if you're anything like me, you love summer because you can catch up on TV.  Oh sure, there's sunshine, and s'mores, and fireflies.  They're swell too.

But mostly, it's the TV.  Also, the s'mores (and I wonder why I buy my own handbags). 

Anyway, if you find yourself one day, with nothing but the telly and some time, crank up the AC and slather on a full season of these shows. 

I promise, you won't get burned.

(Couldn't resist...)

House of Cards
Netflix Original Series
13 episodes

The plot in 10 words or less: Some people will do anything to become President.

The star: Kevin Spacey as Majority Whip Francis Underwood

Why watch:  Kevin Spacey talks to you.  And he has no morals.  At.  All. 

The Americans
FX
14 episodes

The plot in 10 words or less: Felicity is a Russian spy living in the 1980s.

The star: Matthew Rhys as Phillip Jennings

Why watch:  It's fun to watch a show where the highest tech spy gadget is a wig and a moustache.  Plus the Rubix Cube makes a guest appearance.  Really, what's not to love?

Bates Motel
A&E
11 episodes

The plot in 10 words or less: Modern-day prequel to Psycho, Norman still creepy, has iPhone.

The star: Vera Farmiga as Norma Bates

Why watch:  It's oddly addictive.  Can't imagine why the motel didn't work out.

Nashville (see, I told you)
ABC
22 episodes

The plot in 10 words or less: Fading star and teen sensation hate eachother and sing songs.

The star: Connie Britton as Rayna James

Why watch: 2 words... Deacon.  Claybourne.  Also download Wrong Song.  SO catchy!

New Girl
FOX
50 episodes

The plot in 10 words or less: Quirky girl lives with 3 guys, romantic tension ensues.

The star: Zooey Deschanel as Jess

Why watch:  Season 2, episode 15, aka The Cooler.  THATS how a kiss is done.  Also Schmidt is hilarious.





Know of any shows that I should catch up on?  List YOUR favorites below.  Or, tell me what you love about summer if your TV is on vacation...


tags: entertainment

Girls

I have the best friends. 

Who knew that the major I arbitrarily chose (Communications) on my Fairfield University application waaay back in 1990 would lead to a life-long friendship with these girls?

I was just 17 when I met my college roommate.  Also named Jen.  Also from Jersey.  Also a brunette.  We got to know each other during freshman orientation in June 1991 because they grouped us based on major. 

We hit it off immediately, but were assigned different roommates originally.  Hers was a serious gal who was off to biology camp before classes started.  No bueno.  Mine skipped the standard get-to-know-you luau (?) in favor of a night snuggling on a bare mattress with her calculus book and a nightmask.

Yeah.  Needless to say, we ditched them.

We went home for the summer and decided we would room together in September.  Definitely.  But I lost Jen's information.  So I went to the library (remember those?) and found a big fat phone book (remember those?) and called some random family in her town with the same last name.  I must have sounded nuts, but they gave me her actual number anyway.  And the rest is history...

We met our other roommate, Jodi, shortly after.  I'd say it was about October 1991, when we were at a party thrown by our freshman facilitator -- also a Communications major.  He was a junior and super cute and named Rick. 

Aren't they all?

Anyway, she was dating his roommate, Bob.  And we were like Rick's little groupies.  So we saw each other fairly often at parties.  But we didn't really bond until one night when campus security came knocking.

Jodi and I were in the basement at Rick & Bob's townhouse, probably watching some guys play Beirut (aka beer pong).  They may or may not have gotten trenchmouth that night.  We heard security upstairs, breaking up the party.  A guy dove behind a couch yelling that he couldn't get written up.  Again.

This was our first brush with the law, so we ran to the best basement hiding spot we could find -- underneath the wooden, see-through stairs.  And instantly realizing the importance of fresh breath in this situation, we shared a piece of gum.  Gum that I was already chewing. 

That pretty much bonded us for life.

So, here we are, 22 years later.  And every time we get together, it's like no time has passed at all.  We're 18 again.  Even though we're all turning 40. 

I mean, we could still pass for 18, right?  Right.

Sorta?

Ok, you be the judge...

This is the first pic I could find of the 3 of us together.  We're 19 here.  And wearing each other's clothes. 
I cut out the person sitting to the left of me.  We hate her.
 

At the Dogwoods spring dance with the famous Judy Jetson dress.  I was at a different pre-party than they were,
but we were reunited at the dance.  You'd never know from our smiling faces that we are standing by the Porta-Potties.

We were a gang one Halloween.  Scary, right?

Parents' Weekend Wheat Thins.  Nothing but the best!

This is our junior year.  Take care of your teeth, kids, and they will take care of you.
 

It might look like we're in a bar here, but this was our home on a typical Thursday night.
There's a whole other keg where that beer came from...

This was one of many formals we went to.  I can't remember which one, but 100 bucks says Jodi knows.
 

Here's the 3 of us at a very soggy beach party called Clam Jam.  Check out the scrunchie on my wrist.
 

This is spring break in Acapluco.  Pretty sure we are all rocking scrunchies here too.
 

Our new best friends, the Acapulco cliff divers.  I think I was taller than all of Mexico.

Graduation day.  We lived at the beach.  Life was good.
 

Alumni weekend, maybe?  All I know is we all have the same lipstick on.
 

New Years Eve circa 1996 or 1997 at the Rebar.
 

Maybe another New Years.  Definitely another bar.
 

This was my 24th birthday in Newport, RI. 

My 25th birthday down the shore. Ever been to Manasquan?  You'd drink too.
 

Jen's wedding, such a fun day.  Not sure which was better -- the band or the cannoli they served
that was the size of a fireplace log.  My brother still talks about that one.

Jen's first birthday as a married lady.
 

Jodi's first place.  We took a picture in every room of the house.

Is this a wedding?  I can't tell.  I do know that my hair rejected that up-do by spitting out bobby pins all day.
 

Our 10 year college reunion.  Or our audition for Destiny's Child 2.
 

Our townhouse basement 10 years later.  Still stunk of beer. 
And under the stairs is still a terrible hiding spot.
 

My brother's wedding in Cape Cod.  They've known him since he was 13 and he was shorter than me.

Jodi's 40th birthday party.  Just like old times.

So these are my girls.  They are great daughters, sisters, wives, mothers, and friends.  Here's to 22 more years.  And 22 more after that! 

How did YOU meet your best friends?  Swap your gum -- and your stories -- below...


tags: family

7 Dream Jobs

Work has been crazier than usual lately. 

If you know me well... you know why. 

If you don't know why... I'll tell you later.

Anyway, with just a few short months left in my 30's I've been thinking about what I want to be when I grown up.  Like, if money wasn't an issue, and I didn't have to shell out $3,200/month (barf) in rent, what might I do with my days?

I'm not totally convinced there is such a thing as a "dream job," but for me, these come pretty close:

1) I'd like to be a Florist and I would call my shop: Nice Stems
I've always been a creative gal.  I think it would be awesome to be surrounded by pretty flowers all day making cool arrangements.  Plus you can wear an apron, but not be a waiter.  And flowers make people happy.  Unless somebody screws up.  Or dies.  Incidentally, incase anybody wants to say "I love you," "I'm sorry," or "RIP" to me, I like yellow roses best.

2) I'd like to be a TV Critic and I would call my column: The Loveseat Potato
It's no secret I am TV's #1 fan.  So imagine getting paid to watch it?  I get giddy at the thought.  I actually went to grammar school with a guy who became a quasi-famous TV critic.  He was an easily irritated kid who once kicked our teacher, Mrs. Chin, in the shin.  It took 3 women to subdue him.  And THAT guy gets paid for his opinions on TV shows.  There really is no justice in this world.

3) I'd like to be a Soap Opera Writer and I would call my soap: Al Diablo con los Guapos (To Hell with Handsome Guys)
Apparently this is already the name of a Mexican soap.  Isn't it awesome?  According to Wikipedia, they also have shows that translate to Chains of Bitterness, Weddings of Hate, Rich People Also Cry, and inexplicably, A Few Fleas.  I could really get into these plots.  Except the flea one.  That's gross.

4) I'd like to be a Pizza Truck Owner and I would call my truck: Go Ahead, Make My Pizza
If a more perfect food exists, I don't know about it.  When I was a junior in high school (Go Mustangs!), I went with my English & French class to Europe on a whirlwind trip where we saw 4 countries in 7 days.  I was feeling pretty homesick in Paris when a friend stepped out of our crappy hotel room to pick up lunch.  She came back with 2 small pizzas.  Her's was normal, but mine was heart-shaped.  Apparently she told the pizza guy I was upset and he made it for me.  Trust me, a heart-shaped pizza will make your day.

5) I'd like to be a Micro-Brewer and I would call my beer: Pine Brook Pale Ale
I am allergic to red wines, so I'm typically the klassy girl who orders a beer.  Why not brew up a batch of my own?  Plus I love pretzel rolls and I feel like every brewery also serves sandwiches on tasty pretzel rolls.  Win win.

6) I'd like to be a Drummer and I would call my band: Jersey Girls Don't Pump Gas
I can't sing.  I was asked to leave choir in the 7th grade because of my bad voice.  I can't play any instruments.  I took exactly 3 piano lessons before I quit.  (I was 10, and my teacher ate hamburgers during our lessons and got his greasy, grubby hands all over the keys.)  But how great would it be to play a drum solo?  Very.

7) I'd like to be a Racecar Driver and I would call my car: The Jen-eral Gee
If I could take one of those adventure vacations, I wouldn't skydive or go to rockstar camp, I'd go to Richard Petty's Driving School.  I love to drive.  Fast.  But I don't get the appeal of NASCAR.  Watching cars go in a circle for 500 laps?  No thanks.  But being behind the wheel?  Now, you're talking!  I just have to buy a jumpsuit, practice getting into a car through the window, and learn how to drive stick.  Then, I'm totally doing this.


None of these gigs involve sitting in an office all day, which is how I've spent the last 18 years of my career, so they all sound especially fun. 

What's YOUR dream job?  Work it out below...


tags: work

My Favorite Cookbooks

When I was little I remember making "soup" out of buttons and spare change. 

It was delicious.

But I suppose the first edible thing I ever tried to cook was a yellow cake with chocolate frosting from my old-school orange Easy-Bake Oven. 

Who knew an ordinary lightbulb could yield such a delicious homemade treat?

The first time I used the actual, grown-up oven, I was 9.  I'd taken an after school class on cooking and they taught us to make something called Applesauce Muffins. 

I'm pretty sure it involved adding some Motts to a box of muffin mix, but I felt like a baker and I couldn't wait to come home and make it for my family.

It's funny that my first cooking memories are of baking, since I'm horrible at it.  Seriously, I am a bad baker.  I don't have the patience for it.  All the measuring, and the sifting, and the mixing, and the kneading, and the timing -- it's annoying.

But I do love to cook.

As you know, I have an addiction to buying small kitchen appliances.  And even though I can't bake to save my life, I'm dying to get a mini-pie maker.  Yeah, it's a problem.

I also love buying cookbooks.  Have a whole bookcase full of 'em.  But I hate following recipes.

(I am a riddle, wrapped in an enigma.)

I'll follow a recipe as it was written for the first time, but then I make it my own.  Here's a baker's dozen of my favorite cookbooks:

The Joy of Cooking (1931)
by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker and Ethan Becker

Why I like it: It's a classic. Ironic that it's called "joy" since it's a total snoozefest to look at -- no pictures, and it's a bazillion pages long -- but anything you ever wanted to know how to cook is in here.

My favorite recipe: Baked Macaroni & Cheese (p. 320)

Mrs. Fields Cookie Book (1992)
by Debbi Fields

Why I like it: My mom got this for me my senior year in college, and my roommate and I put it to good use by making about 30 dozen Christmas cookies that we hand-delivered to friends (mostly boys). We were pretty popular that day.  So seeing this one on my bookshelf always makes me smile.

My favorite recipe: Christmas Sugar Cookies (p. 57)

Rick Bayless's Mexican Kitchen (1996)
by Rick Bayless

Why I like it: My mom taught me everything I know about Italian cooking, but this book told me what I needed to know about Mexican.  So many great recipes in here for burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, chili, moles, and more.

My favorite recipe: Guacamole (p. 78-80)

Top Secret Restaurant Recipes (1997)
by Todd Wilbur

Why I like it: I randomly picked up this one to fulfill my commitment in a book club.  Little did I know how awesome it was!  I love how he deconstructs and recreates the things we love to order when eating out.  And while I've only eaten at Olive Garden once in my life, their dip has become a party staple in our family.

My favorite recipe: Olive Garden Hot Artichoke-Spinach Dip (p. 188-189)

Boy Meets Grill (1999)
by Bobby Flay

Why I like it: I first learned of Bobby Flay when he did a show called Grilling & Chilling where he BBQ'ed with a hillbilly chef.  I've always been a fan of his straightforward style, and I have a few of his cookbooks, but this one was my first and my fave. 

My favorite recipe: Turkey Burgers with Brie and Granny Smith Apple Slices (p. 18-19)

Pizza, Pasta, and More (2000)
by Wolfgang Puck

Why I like it: I went to a friend's house years ago and she used this cookbook to make the best homemade pizza I've ever had.  So I bought the book.  I haven't made the pizza yet,  but the tapenade is another one of my family's go-to recipes.  I think my dad could eat the whole bowl!

My favorite recipes: Black and Green Olive Tapenade (p. 22) and Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Pizza (p. 84)

Barefoot Contessa Family Style (2002)
by Ina Garten

Why I like it: I've seen and heard enough about Ina to know we wouldn't be buddies, but I do like a chubby chef that looks like she eats her own food.  I had the fish & chips from the Barefoot Contessa and they were really delish.  Although you could probably deep fry a boot and I'd like that too.

My favorite recipe: Parker's Fish & Chips (p. 97)

The Soprano's Family Cookbook as Compiled by Artie Bucco (2002)
by Allen Rucker and Michele Scicolone

Why I like it: You'd think a novelty cookbook like this would be junky, but this one has some great recipes.  And there are some fun show tidbits sprinkled throughout the pages.  Sure, I have cookbooks from Patsy's and Rao's too, but I like this one best.  Fuggedaboutit.

My favorite recipe: Tiramisu (p. 179)

The New Legal Sea Foods Cookbook (2003)
by Roger Berkowitz and Jane Doerfer

Why I like it: I loved going to Legal Sea Foods at the Short Hills Mall because it reminded me of summer and being young.  The only chowder I've ever had that beats the Black Pearl in Newport, RI (where I spent many a summer in my 20's) was here.

My favorite recipe: Clam Chowder (p. 236)

Everyday Italian (2005)
by Giada De Laurentiis

Why I like it: She's adorable and her food is really yummy.  What more could you want?

My favorite recipes: Arancini di Riso (Rice Balls, p. 133) and Everyday Caponata (p. 206)

The Pioneer Woman Cooks (2009)
by Ree Drummond

Why I like it: When I grow up I'd like to be this gal.  I want to hang out in her cabin with her cute-as-a-button kids and whip up ranch foods (occasionally served with ranch dressing) for her cowboy husband, then snap some pics, blog about it, and shoot a cooking show.  I'll skip milking cows and getting up at dawn.  That isn't on the menu.

My favorite recipes: Spicy Pulled Pork (p. 94-95)

5 Ingredient Fix (2010)
by Claire Robinson

Why I like it: I hate recipes that have a zillion ingredients.  Who wants to spend $57 to make homemade risotto AND have to wash the dishes?  No thanks.  I was psyched to discover Claire because all her recipes contain 5 ingredients or less.  Perfect for NYC living.

My favorite recipe: Buttermilk Pecan Chicken (p. 116)

The Epicurious Cookbook (2012)
by Tanya Steel and the Editors of Epicurious

Why I like it: This one was written by some of my most fave peeps, so it automatically makes the list.  But it's also a pretty awesome collection of recipes.  And they're grouped by what's in season, so it's not just tasty, it's smart too!

My favorite recipes: Tom Colicchio's Herb-Butter Turkey (p. 260-261) and New England Sausage, Apple, and Dried Cranberry Stuffing (p. 262)





So are YOU cooking any books?  See one I'm missing?  Add your favorites below...


tags: food

Guilty Pleasures

My family teases me that my iPhone is filled with ringtones because I only download songs that are popular -- never, ever a full CD.

It's true.

I might have horrible taste in music.

But what makes a song respectable?  I mean, if loving Xanadu is wrong, I don't want to be right. 

I leave no genre unexplored, a good song is a good song.  I walk to work each day -- my office is about 5 songs away -- and I mostly look for something fast-paced so I can step to the beat. 

You might find me on 42nd Street rocking out to one of these beauties:

1. Love Shack - B-52s
2. Hazy Shade of Winter - The Bangles
3. Copacabana - Barry Manilow
4. Stayin' Alive - Bee Gees
5. Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) - Big & Rich
6. You Give Love a Bad Name - Bon Jovi
7. More Than a Feeling - Boston
8. Motown Philly - Boyz II Men
9. Toxic - Britney Spears
10. Before He Cheats - Carrie Underwood
11. The Devil Went Down to Georgia - The Charlie Daniels Band
12. Genie in a Bottle - Christina Aguilera
13. (I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight - Cutting Crew
14. Personal Jesus - Depeche Mode
15. Come on Eileen - Dexy's Midnight Runners
16. Last Dance - Donna Summer
17. Rio - Duran Duran
18. Save Tonight - Eagle Eye Cherry
19. The Chain - Fleetwood Mac
20. Jenny From the Block - Jennifer Lopez
21. S.O.S. - Jonas Brothers
22. Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson
23. See You Again - Miley Cyrus
24. Bye Bye Bye - *NSYNC
25. Xanadu - Olivia Newton John
26. Jesse's Girl - Rick Springfield
27. Rock You Like a Hurricane - Scorpions
28. Youth Gone Wild - Skid Row
29. I Knew You Were Trouble - Taylor Swift
30. 867-5309 (Jenny) - Tommy Tutone
31. It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls
32. Careless Whisper - Wham
33. Bust a Move - Young MC

Ok, so it might be a shorter list if I named all the songs I like that AREN'T embarrassing.  Still, should I be ashamed to love these tunes? 

Nope.  That's why Bose invented headphones.

I can't be the only one!  Share YOUR questionable musical tastes below...


tags: music

Beauty Truths Nobody Tells You

I was walking home from work last night, and a lady stopped me on the corner of 42nd and Madison.

She mumbled something and at first I pretended not to hear, as I often do when approached on the street by strangers.  But then the light changed and we were trapped together.

She spoke again. "Where do you get your hair done?"

I looked around for a camera.  Was this a joke? 

The last time I got my hair cut was in August before I went to the White House.  The last time I colored it was last April (you may recall John Frieda did me wrong).  And you KNOW I've let a few grays slip past the goalie.

What could possibly be so appealing about my 'do?

She persisted, "Where did you get your ombre hair color done?" 

That made me laugh.

I leaned in and dropped a truth-bomb on her.  "You call it ombre, I call it roots.  I haven't dyed my hair in over a year -- this is what happens."

She looked confused.  Then the light changed and I walked away feeling all good that I just saved this chick $300 bucks on an expensive dye-job that she could get for free if she just neglected her locks like I do.

It got me thinking that there are tons of beauty truths out there that nobody tells you.  Now that I'm a beauty blogger too, I feel a quasi-professional duty to shed some light.

Ladies and gents... listen up:

• Don't Shave Between Your Eyebrows
  This goes for everybody.  It may seem efficient, but you are way better off plucking periodically so they don't all grow back at once.  Failure to do so will leave you looking like the love child of Frida Kahlo and Hugh Acheson (look it up).

• Hairy Guys Are a Good Thing
  Women are supposed to be the ones with a hair-free chest, not men.  I'll take a guy who looks like he's got a bath mat sewn to his chest over a guy who looks all creepy-smooth like a Ken doll.

• Many Women Do Not Wash Their Hair Every Day
  This is ok, it saves time and water and some hair looks better without a fresh wash.

• Many People Do Not Wash Their Hands After Using the Restroom
  This is NOT ok.  Beat it, Fecal Fingers!

• People Want to Know If They Have Food In Their Teeth
  Give it a minute to shake out naturally.  If that doesn't happen, stage an intervention.  Better to hear it now and suffer a mild humiliation, then go through the whole day with a hunk of spinach wedged between your choppers.  And while we're at it -- if you spy some nasal guacamole, for the love of Kleenex, speak up!

• Many Tattoos Look Silly When You Are Old
  That tribal band around your bicep.  That dainty butterfly on the small of your back.  That name written in pretty script on your wrist.  It all seems like a good idea when you're young.  But it's not really a long-term play.  Nobody likes a Gramp Stamp. 

• Most Women Can't Pull Off The Smokey Eye Look
  Sure, it looks great on the red carpet.  But in the real world, you look like a raccoon. Step away from the shadow and just say no.

• Fake Tans Always Look Fake.  Always.
  Nothing that comes from a bottle, spray can, or tanning bed can make you look like you spent a week at the beach.  It can, however, make you look like you spent a week at Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory scaring greedy kids.  Oompa loompa doopedy do.

• 99% of the Time, Plastic Surgery Also Looks Fake
  It's called plastic for a reason.  There's not much natural about it.  If it makes you feel better, go for it.  Live your life!  But if you really want to look younger, just cut bangs.  That does the trick.  Every.  Single.  Time.

Ahhh.  Doesn't that feel better?  Don't stop now -- tell me YOUR beauty truths below...


tags: beauty

Let's Meet the Pope

I don't typically wear my religion on my sleeve.  I think it's a personal thing. 

But...

I'm a Catholic. 

And it's Good Friday (the biggest day in Holy Week besides Easter). 

So I thought today's as good a day as any to learn about the new Pope.



Here's what I know:

• Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio is the first Pope from the Americas
• He is the first Pope named Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of the poor
• He is the first Pope to pick a new name in more than a thousand years
• He is the first Jesuit Pope -- they are known as teachers, which explains why the all buildings at my college (Fairfield U -- go Stags!) were named after them (Loyola, Xavier, Gonzaga, Bellarmine, Canisius, Campion, and one very wealthy donor named Dolan)
• He is a humble man who takes public transportation and cooks his own meals
• He lived in a small apartment in Buenos Aires and is living in a modest Vatican guest house rather than the formal papal residence

Here's what I hope:

• He is able to re-engage the world's 1.2 billion Catholics and repair a religion that is in bad shape
• He will see the dire need to evolve and modernize the church's views
• He can restore some honor to the priesthood

Here's what I believe:

• Going to church on Sundays doesn't make you a good person, being a good person does
• God loves and accepts everybody.  Every. Body.
• Everything happens for a reason

Here's one last thing:
If you're ever stuck in an airport on a Friday during Lent, find a Wendy's.  Their fish sandwich is far tastier than McDonald's.  It is also crispy and filet-shaped, not a creepy perfect square like the Filet-O-Fish.  But hit up McDonald's for the fries. You know why.


Happy Easter Sunday, if you celebrate it.  And happy Easter Monday Candy Sale at CVS, if you don't!


tags: holidays