Thought Catalog recently posted an essay called "Celebrities I Would Defend to the Death." The author talks about her desire to defend people like Kirsten Dunst, Paul Rudd and Taylor Swift from the cruel taunts and criticisms of the public.
I've been known to feel an inexplicable closeness to certain celebrities too, but I have a different way of classifying it. For years, I have been quietly amassing a Celebrity Emergency Contact List. This is, unfortunately, what it sounds like: a list of famous people I want to call if I'm ever in an emergency situation. I think it would be better for everyone involved if I didn't explain why my brain has this file and just get listing.
Tom Hanks- When my non-existent child goes missing, Tom will be the one I call. Probably even before the police. He will also come over if I am ever burgled, or need someone to walk with me to the bank when I make deposits for the restaurant I don't work at. Tom would know just what to say in any high-stress situation. He is the perfect combination of smart, humble and interested. I once watched him tell a story about how every year his family fights over whether to use the electric knife to carve the Thanksgiving turkey, and for some reason this convinces me that he would keep the most level head in the event of drama and disaster. Is there any reason to think otherwise?
Laura Linney- I want to tell her about every emotion I have ever felt. If you've seen any of her movies, you'll know that I feel this way because it's obvious she knows every single human emotion. Those sympathetic eyes and that fretful mouth... Laura is a great listener and she would let me unleash my emotional burden when I was ready and for as long as I need to. She would also probably place it in a historical context or making some sweeping statement that brings my entire life up until that point into sharp focus. She's just like that.
Matt Damon- Here is a man who loves talking about toilets as much as I do. He is a high-profile advocate for sanitation and clean water, so he is also on my Imaginary BFFs list for that reason. But what is it about Matt that gets him on my emergency contact list? Well, first he is ripped, so he can lift me out from under the bus I crash shortly after being asked to take over for the driver with heart problems. But Matt is also street smart. I only think this because he played Will Hunting, but I feel in my heart it's just as true in real life. Matt can talk me out of a sticky situation, or tell me which street not to walk down at night. I think he might also be good at bartering with street vendors. This Boston Boy will always be on my celebrity speed dial.
Amy Poehler- Amy is a girl's girl, and she will be who I call when I need a friend to sort through my life's problems and then create a really bomb action plan. I'm thinking along the lines of T.P.ing an ex's house or delivering a very pointed speech to a mean girl about kindness, being human and trying to unite rather than divide. But I think Amy would be equally skilled with curbing my hoarding tendencies and helping me price things at a yard sale, for example. I guess we are moving away from emergencies and heading into Boring Saturday territory, so I'll stop here.
Who would you call and why?
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Salem, Marblehead
Salem, Massachusetts is known for its witch trials, haunted houses and Halloween celebrations. You can't walk a block without seeing a witch museum, store, or tour. I love mass hysteria and calling women Goody as much as anyone else, but there's more to Salem than goblins and ghouls. A lot has happened since the 17th century and we should probably collectively acknowledge it from time to time.
Enter the Peabody Essex Museum. Nestled in among the haunted happenings, this place is known for an eclectic art collection and a focus on Asian art. Most MA residents have heard of this gem, and it's consistently ranked among top art and culture museums in the country. We spent the morning wandering its three floors taking in exhibitions as varied as Maritime History, Korean Art and American photography. We were lucky to have caught a Native American Art exhibit in its final week with a tour guide. She provided so much more information and insight about individual pieces, and her enthusiasm was contagious. I know very little about art, and will seek out guides in the future because reading plaques only tells you a small story of what you're seeing. A guide provides more context and new ways of thinking about the objets and their larger meanings. The theme of the art exhibit was shapeshifting and the sculpture, paintings, textiles and other installations demonstrated the real diversity and change in native art over time.
And forgive me for being unladylike, but I have to tell you the women's room at the museum had a whole basket full of tampons and pads. I have never seen such a lovely acknowledgement in a bathroom, and was so moved, I resisted the urge to fill my purse.
Stop blushing. This is why you come to Catherine the Greatest. You can read about a museum anywhere, but who is going to tell you where the free tampons are?
From there, we headed to the Salem Visitors Center and found a charming young man named Ryan, who we immediately grilled about dining establishments. Ryan can tell a rough-around-the-edges girl when he sees one, and immediately pointed me to a converted jailhouse. Josh and I walked a couple of blocks to Great Escape.
The original jail was built in 1813 and at the time of its closing in 1991, was the oldest active jailhouse in the country. Since then, it's been converted to an upscale restaurant decked out with jail bars, brick walls and the original thick granite floors.The menu includes items named Alcatraz, Scarface and Al Capone. These people love a good motif. I demolished a Jack Bauer-- butterflied chicken stuffed with spinach, prosciutto, roasted red peppers and cheese served in a lemon cream sauce. I am still fantasizing about this roasted red potatoes served on the side. Are you reading, Ryan? Thank you.
By that time, the rain had begun and we moved along to Marblehead, a town that used to be part of Salem until 1648 when residents voted to separate at a town meeting. (Note: WE LOVE TOWN MEETINGS IN MASSACHUSETTS. Today, the town of Concord will vote on the important issue of leashing cats because some lady is irritated that ferocious felines are diminishing the blue bird population in her yard.)
Anyway. We were headed to Marblehead Light, a lighthouse on the list of National Historic Places. It was built in 1835, and in 1895 the cast-iron skeleton replaced the old brick and wood tower. It's not the scenic lighthouse New Englanders are used to, but I like it for its unique, if slightly Spartan, look. A large parking lot on the shore provides a perfect view of the ocean, and lighthouse, and on a warmer day, you could sit out on the benches and watch the yachts go by this old sailing town.
Enter the Peabody Essex Museum. Nestled in among the haunted happenings, this place is known for an eclectic art collection and a focus on Asian art. Most MA residents have heard of this gem, and it's consistently ranked among top art and culture museums in the country. We spent the morning wandering its three floors taking in exhibitions as varied as Maritime History, Korean Art and American photography. We were lucky to have caught a Native American Art exhibit in its final week with a tour guide. She provided so much more information and insight about individual pieces, and her enthusiasm was contagious. I know very little about art, and will seek out guides in the future because reading plaques only tells you a small story of what you're seeing. A guide provides more context and new ways of thinking about the objets and their larger meanings. The theme of the art exhibit was shapeshifting and the sculpture, paintings, textiles and other installations demonstrated the real diversity and change in native art over time.
And forgive me for being unladylike, but I have to tell you the women's room at the museum had a whole basket full of tampons and pads. I have never seen such a lovely acknowledgement in a bathroom, and was so moved, I resisted the urge to fill my purse.
Stop blushing. This is why you come to Catherine the Greatest. You can read about a museum anywhere, but who is going to tell you where the free tampons are?
From there, we headed to the Salem Visitors Center and found a charming young man named Ryan, who we immediately grilled about dining establishments. Ryan can tell a rough-around-the-edges girl when he sees one, and immediately pointed me to a converted jailhouse. Josh and I walked a couple of blocks to Great Escape.
The original jail was built in 1813 and at the time of its closing in 1991, was the oldest active jailhouse in the country. Since then, it's been converted to an upscale restaurant decked out with jail bars, brick walls and the original thick granite floors.The menu includes items named Alcatraz, Scarface and Al Capone. These people love a good motif. I demolished a Jack Bauer-- butterflied chicken stuffed with spinach, prosciutto, roasted red peppers and cheese served in a lemon cream sauce. I am still fantasizing about this roasted red potatoes served on the side. Are you reading, Ryan? Thank you.
By that time, the rain had begun and we moved along to Marblehead, a town that used to be part of Salem until 1648 when residents voted to separate at a town meeting. (Note: WE LOVE TOWN MEETINGS IN MASSACHUSETTS. Today, the town of Concord will vote on the important issue of leashing cats because some lady is irritated that ferocious felines are diminishing the blue bird population in her yard.)
Anyway. We were headed to Marblehead Light, a lighthouse on the list of National Historic Places. It was built in 1835, and in 1895 the cast-iron skeleton replaced the old brick and wood tower. It's not the scenic lighthouse New Englanders are used to, but I like it for its unique, if slightly Spartan, look. A large parking lot on the shore provides a perfect view of the ocean, and lighthouse, and on a warmer day, you could sit out on the benches and watch the yachts go by this old sailing town.
Hingham, Hull
It's rare to find a place that offers ocean views, tree-lined trails, and stunning views of Boston's city skyline all in once place.
We stopped at World's End in Hingham this weekend to take in the scenery and enjoy a walk along the miles of carriage paths that wind through rocky shores, open fields and picnic areas.
We enjoyed it on a warm April day, but the landscape is just as attractive in colder months. You'll find snow shoers and cross-country skiers enjoying the 251-acre property during the winter. World's End is owned by The Trustees of Reservations, a Massachusetts nonprofit that protects and maintains over 100 properties throughout the state.
We drove just up up the road to check out another Trustees spot. Weir River Farm, also in Hingham is a working farm with a CSA program. From the entrance at Turkey Hill, visitors can catch a glimpse of the Boston skyline and head down toward the barnyard or branch off along walking trails. It's a perfect stop for families because it offers the interest of the outdoors in a way that is accessible for all ages. Kids can enjoy the short walking paths and see horses, chickens, pigs and sheep.
From Hingham, we headed north to Hull, a penninsula town that juts out into Massachusetts Bay. In the summer months, ferries leave from here to some of the Boston Harbor Islands. We stopped by an adorable shop on Main Street called Weinberg's Bakery, Coffee and Pastry Shop. The baked goods behind the glass case were on dazzling display-- turnovers, carrot cake, cannolis. They all looked perfect. But... the siren song of gelato called. We enjoyed two cappucino-flavored creamy treats al fresco at bistro tables on the sidewalk.
From there, we drove through the Nantasket Beach area and headed to tip of the peninsula where we found a small parking area,and yet again, more distant views of the city skyline! Couples strolled the rocky shore, looking for the perfect rock to bring home, and we crossed two more towns of our list of 351.
We stopped at World's End in Hingham this weekend to take in the scenery and enjoy a walk along the miles of carriage paths that wind through rocky shores, open fields and picnic areas.
We enjoyed it on a warm April day, but the landscape is just as attractive in colder months. You'll find snow shoers and cross-country skiers enjoying the 251-acre property during the winter. World's End is owned by The Trustees of Reservations, a Massachusetts nonprofit that protects and maintains over 100 properties throughout the state.
We drove just up up the road to check out another Trustees spot. Weir River Farm, also in Hingham is a working farm with a CSA program. From the entrance at Turkey Hill, visitors can catch a glimpse of the Boston skyline and head down toward the barnyard or branch off along walking trails. It's a perfect stop for families because it offers the interest of the outdoors in a way that is accessible for all ages. Kids can enjoy the short walking paths and see horses, chickens, pigs and sheep.
From Hingham, we headed north to Hull, a penninsula town that juts out into Massachusetts Bay. In the summer months, ferries leave from here to some of the Boston Harbor Islands. We stopped by an adorable shop on Main Street called Weinberg's Bakery, Coffee and Pastry Shop. The baked goods behind the glass case were on dazzling display-- turnovers, carrot cake, cannolis. They all looked perfect. But... the siren song of gelato called. We enjoyed two cappucino-flavored creamy treats al fresco at bistro tables on the sidewalk.
From there, we drove through the Nantasket Beach area and headed to tip of the peninsula where we found a small parking area,and yet again, more distant views of the city skyline! Couples strolled the rocky shore, looking for the perfect rock to bring home, and we crossed two more towns of our list of 351.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
I'm back
I stopped writing here almost three years ago as I was preparing to leave for Peace Corps. I blogged about that experience here, but if you don't have time to sift through more than 100 entries, the cliff notes are: it was awesome.
I've been home for almost six months, and a lot has changed since I last wrote at Catherine the Greatest. Blogger's layout has morphed completely and it took me several minutes to figure out how to write this post. I am no longer consumed with lust for Starbucks baristas or with anxiety about employability (well maybe a little still of that last one). I'm a little older, maybe slightly wiser, and generally less annoyed with NASA.
One thing is the same though, and that is that I still love to write. Writing about my experiences in Panama helped me understand them better, and I think that's always been the case with whatever I do. When you write, you explain an idea to another person, and in doing so, to yourself.
So I'm back because blogging is fun and makes my brain work. You can expect more of the blathering random content from before, and perhaps the occasional entry that won't make you regret coming here.
I'll be playing around with format in the coming weeks. Feel free to say hi or offer suggestions.
In the mean time, I'll direct you to an area that sparked the initial desire to start blogging again. Click on the "Wandering Massachusetts" tab up top.
I've been home for almost six months, and a lot has changed since I last wrote at Catherine the Greatest. Blogger's layout has morphed completely and it took me several minutes to figure out how to write this post. I am no longer consumed with lust for Starbucks baristas or with anxiety about employability (well maybe a little still of that last one). I'm a little older, maybe slightly wiser, and generally less annoyed with NASA.
One thing is the same though, and that is that I still love to write. Writing about my experiences in Panama helped me understand them better, and I think that's always been the case with whatever I do. When you write, you explain an idea to another person, and in doing so, to yourself.
So I'm back because blogging is fun and makes my brain work. You can expect more of the blathering random content from before, and perhaps the occasional entry that won't make you regret coming here.
I'll be playing around with format in the coming weeks. Feel free to say hi or offer suggestions.
In the mean time, I'll direct you to an area that sparked the initial desire to start blogging again. Click on the "Wandering Massachusetts" tab up top.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Closed for the season
I'm about to leave the country for 27 months and my brain has been many places other than Catherine the Greatest. I won't be blogging here for the foreseeable future, but I hope you'll follow me over to my new blog to read about my Peace Corps adventures.
Without getting too saccharine, sincere thanks to all of you for reading. I've loved writing this blog more than is probably appropriate, and it's all because I had you to indulge me in my insane ramblings. Sometimes it's only fun to write stupid things when you know other people are willing to read them. Who else besides you would put up with my repeated denials of NASA's value?
I couldn't (temporarily) close the door on this blog without one more list. So here are some of the most-commented entries, in case you need some type of CTG fix down the road. How is it possible that over two years and 120ish posts, I never managed to break the five comment mark? Epic fail! Well, my Back on the Bean entry has eight comments, but they are mostly by porn spammer! Not exactly my target audience.Anyway, here it is.
Word Wench: A Memoir
Peppermint Mocha with a Side of McLatte
Shit Happens (the end to the Hottie McLatte saga)
Top 10 Classroom Personalities
And, just for fun, in case you're wondering what sort of job I'll get when my PC service is through, here are some Antiquated Jobs I Wish I Could Have.
Without getting too saccharine, sincere thanks to all of you for reading. I've loved writing this blog more than is probably appropriate, and it's all because I had you to indulge me in my insane ramblings. Sometimes it's only fun to write stupid things when you know other people are willing to read them. Who else besides you would put up with my repeated denials of NASA's value?
I couldn't (temporarily) close the door on this blog without one more list. So here are some of the most-commented entries, in case you need some type of CTG fix down the road. How is it possible that over two years and 120ish posts, I never managed to break the five comment mark? Epic fail! Well, my Back on the Bean entry has eight comments, but they are mostly by porn spammer! Not exactly my target audience.Anyway, here it is.
Word Wench: A Memoir
Peppermint Mocha with a Side of McLatte
Shit Happens (the end to the Hottie McLatte saga)
Top 10 Classroom Personalities
And, just for fun, in case you're wondering what sort of job I'll get when my PC service is through, here are some Antiquated Jobs I Wish I Could Have.
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