Sarah Burningham: Teen Author

Holiday weeked - Hooray!

I love the fourth of July. Not only is it my friend Lauren's birthday (a good reason to celebrate in and of itself) but we get a day off work and there are picnics, barbecues, fireworks, sprinklers, corn on the cob (a MUST), and all the other fun stuff that comes along with typical americana. So I'm headed out on our vespa to a little park in harlem for a picnic and am them going to watch the fireworks on the east river. It's one of the best shows I've ever seen and it all starts with one man. Here's what he says goes into his "bang-up" job.

Are you a Job Snob?

A lot of the teenagers I know have had a really hard time finding jobs, and some of those who have had to promise to stay into the school year (not just a summer gig). I'm not the only one who's finding this. The Los Angeles Times had a column about it - from a mom who's daughter (or any of her friends) can't find a job. But this mom says the lack of job opportunities is because her daughter is a snob.

"My daughter is willing to bag groceries, but only at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. She wouldn't mind selling clothes, but root around in a dusty storeroom for size 7 loafers? Never. In my neighborhood, I'm surrounded by kids who have grown up considering summertime leisure a birthright, and now find their parents unwilling or unable to fuel their cars or fund their lattes."

Now, hold on a minute. I know what it's like to have a particular job in mind. My first summer job was at a bookstore - my dream job! - but it took my a month of looking before they hired me. And I had looked everywhere, not just places I would like to work, but places I thought would hire me. Even the snow shack in the grocery store parking lot. (Apparently, I wasn't qualified to make snow cones. I'm probably still not. I'm way too big of a klutz.)

But do you think teenagers are really being snobs? Or is it really just that hard to get a job these days? I tend to think our economic state is making it nearly impossible for even the most well-meaning, willing-to-do-anything teen to get some summer work. What do you think?

Oh, and if you're looking for some more unconventional ways to fund your summer fun, check out this old post of mine on thrifty teens.

Back to Reality

I've been on a little mental vacay for the last few weeks (thus, no blog posts). I think some of my friends think I'm on a mental vacay all the time, but that's another story.

After getting back from book tour I was totally wiped. It was such a blast but between the huge (literally 6 feet tall) tower of laundry that was growing in the corner of my room, the lack of sleep because of those 6:00am TV shows, and catching up on my job, I just had to take a little break.

But I'm baaack. You can't get rid of my that easily.

Ask Sarah B - You Ask, I Answer - Questions from Real Teenagers

Here's your weekly Ask Sarah B sesh. Remember if you want to ask a question and get some advice, you can email me at: AskSarahB@gmail.com

Question:
I have a question. Ok. I'm a twin and my mom always makes us do the same things.
Even if one of us wants to do something and the other doesn't want to, she makes both of us do it.
Plus, my younger sister gets her own room while we have to share just because we're twins.
Really the only thing that we do separately is birthday parties. What should I do?

- Jeanette

Sarah Says:
Dear Jeanette,
I'm so glad you wrote. I think a lot of twins go through the same thing you are going through and they aren't sure what to do. Your question is definitely an important one!
 

I think parents tend to keep twins together because it's easy. You know, they changed your diapers together, and fed you together, so in their minds, it makes sense to keep you doing the same things as you get older. Only, it doesn't really make sense, because as you get older you become very different people - and that's a good thing! I'm sure you love your twin for all the things she does and loves that you don't.

 

I think it's going to take some time and be a process to get your mom to respect you both as individuals. So, let's get it started already!

 

The first thing you need to do is talk to your twin and see how she feels about all this. Does she feel the same way? If so, you're on the same page and that will help when you talk to your mom.

 

Once you've talked with your twin sister, then you need to sit down with your mom. I know it might be tempting to do this with your twin since you are in this together, but I think it will be better to actually talk to your mom alone. You can each have a conversation with her to talk about why exactly you want some space and what it is that you are interested. If you present yourself alone, your mom will have to talk to you about you - not you and your twin. It will be a good opportunity for you to say exactly what you're thinking. And it's a good chance for your twin to have a moment, too.

 

When you talk with your mom, give her some examples of what you want to have happen. Do you want to get your own room? If there are enough rooms in the house, suggest that summer is a perfect time to move rooms. Or, if there aren't enough rooms, maybe you can each decorate your side with things that you love so you don't feel like you're living in a "twin area."

 

And what about clothes and summer camp? It's ok to dress differently and to want to go to the basketball summer camp if that's what you're good at. But your sister may want to do tennis. Talk to your mom about what you enjoy and offer some ways to make those things happen. It's all about staying calm and doing your research.

 

I think you're going to do great - let me know what your mom says and remember that this is probably going to be an ongoing conversation with your mom and your twin. Even if your mom is all about having you two be individuals, she might need some gentle reminding every once in a while. After all, she's been doing the twin thing as long as you have!

 

Good luck!
xoxo
Sarah B

**Note: the names of all teenagers in the "Ask Sarah B" section have been changed to protect individual's privacy

Prom on a Budget

The theme for my senior prom was "Angel." Now, I appreciate all the effort the senior class officers put into planning a great prom, but Angel? Really? If my date (and then boyfriend) would've called me angel I would've puked all over my burgundy dress.

It was based on that Sarah McLachlan song, appropriately titled Angel (duh) and we had it at the State Capitol building. It was a gorgeous setting, marble pillars and staircases, and the dance floor was under the rotunda. But I didn't appreciate my date reminding me that the capitol building wasn't at all earthquake proof. During the most romantic dance of the night, I was envisioning the rotunda collapsing on the entire senior class of Skyline High School in a pile of bricks.

Not to say I didn't have a good time. And I think the best part was that I went with a really fun guy and great group. We didn't spend a fortune - no limos - but did pool together money to rent out a small gym so after the dance we could play racketball and swim and run wild through the locker rooms. (Ok, our dates pooled the money together, but I happen to know it didn't cost them their arms and legs.)

We knew other kids who rented hot air balloons, reserved full movie theaters, and spent more money than I can imagine trying to make their proms a "night to remember." And really, I think it's a waste of perfectly good, hard-earned cash. Since when does prom night have to be "the best night of your life?" And why would anyone want to spend every penny in their bank account on one night? Especially when you read articles like this one about programs that help kids who's parents can't afford to hand over the credit card (note: mine probably could've, but definitely weren't willing to and they were smart not to). I love the idea that this program is helping girls who's parents are unemployed get prom dresses. Prom shouldn't be something that only "well off" people get to experience. 

So, I guess what I'm saying, is before you get caught up in the insanity that can be prom, think about all the other things you'd rather spend $200 on other than dinner for four at the fanciest restaurant you know. And remember that creativity is worth a lot more than a limo. The best dance I ever went to was in the fall and after we left the actual dance, we went laser-tagging. $10 a person for an hour of serious fun. (And a great way to flirt!) Now that's how prom should be. It doesn't take a ton of cash to have a good time.

Memorial Day Weekend means Summer is almost here!

Memorial Day weekend means that summer is literally days away. Even though the actual day off is a little earlier this year than most (I get the 26th off for work, not the 31st), summer is practically here.

And just like every other summer, Memorial Day gets me thinking about what I'm going to do with the good weather, long days, and laid back attitude. Here's what I'm thinking summer 2008 holds for me?

• My ten year high school reunion. Can you believe that I've been out of high school for ten years? It's kind of tripping me out. But I'm excited to see all my old friends and what everyone has been up to. (A lot of people I knew in high school have kids now!) Plus, there's definitely this thought that you have to show everyone how successful you are now. It's not just me, I swear. And really, it's so stupid, because aren't you supposed to be done caring what other people think once you're an official adult? Yes, you are, but I have to admit that I am eager to see what everyone has done with the last ten years. And I get to show off my super cute hubby (he's by far the best thing I've done with the last ten years).
• Hang out at the Shake Shack. Summer in New York means that the Shake Shack (a burger stand in the middle of Madison Square Park) is open for business. And since they serve my favorite burger in the city, I will definitely be having a few dinners there.
• Grant and I are also going to spend at least one weekend in Montauk. It's the town at the very tip of Long Island and has gorgeous beaches, the most relaxing vibe, and is so much more low key than the Hamptons. Montauk, here I come!
• In August, I'm going to do a big sleepover with B 98.7's "Todd & Erin Morning Show" in Salt Lake. They rent out the Sheraton hotel and get about 2,000 women to come hang out, get manicures, facials, shop, talk, and eat. Fun or what? And I get to be the guest author! I can't wait!

What about you? What are your summer plans? A cool summer job? A great vacation? Just kicking back and getting ready for next fall? Tell me what you're up to!

Behind the Scenes on Book Tour

I have settled back home after being out on the road for 2 weeks. It's great to be back home sleeping in my bed and waking up at a decent hour, but I kind of miss being out doing events and meeting people. So, I thought I would share some highlights from a few cities since things got so crazy I didn't have time to finish blogging about all the events.

SAN FRANCISCO (May 6, 2008)
I love San Francisco. It's one of those cities that has such amazing energy and a really good vibe.

The first stop was the book club at Capuchino High School in San Bruno, just a few minutes from the San Francisco airport. My mom and I couldn't find the actual entrance to the school (it's one of those great multi-level CA schools with tons of outdoor space) so we actually got there about 5 minutes late.

Lucky for me, the girls were really cool. We talked for over an hour about everything from dealing with parents when it comes to getting a summer job to what it's like to write a book. The teacher who runs the book club made homemade scones and hot chocolate and the event ended up being a super fun gab session. It was definitely one of the highlights from the road.

After book club, my mom and I went back to the hotel and completely crashed. We had to wake up at 3:00am in the morning in order to catch our 6:00am flight, so we were beat. But a few hours in bed with the blackout curtains drawn, and we were good as new.

Next stop was ABC-TV and their local show The View from the Bay. (See that white plastic bag in my hand? That was lunch - BLTs from the diner around the corner. Yum!) I was lucky and got to do a bunch of local TV shows while I was in different cities, but this one was a highlight. The hosts were really fun and real - I could tell they really wanted to have fun with the book but also get some useful info out there.

We wrapped up the day with a Mother-Daughter pizza party at Towne Center Books in Pleasanton. Pleasanton had one of the cutest main streets I've ever seen...little sandwich shops, boutiques, a nail salon and of course, what main street is complete with a book store? Towne Center Books is the heart of the town and I met so many cool teens and their moms. And Judy made homemade brownies which definitely hit the spot after a busy day!

Next stop...hot and sunny Phoenix.

 

Fingernails as Fashion

There's a Banana Republic about 2 blocks away from my office and I walk by it every night on my way home. I wish there was a flashing red sign outside the door that said "Danger, danger" everytime I got close. I think they have such cute stuff.

So recently, when I stopped in after work (just to look, I swear!) I saw this girl behind the counter with these unbelievably long, totally designed fake nails. I was fascinated. She had to use her knuckles to enter numbers on the register and basically had to use the palms of both hands to pick up the phone. But she had it down to a science and was managing to answer the phone and ring someone up at the same time. I was so impressed I asked if I could photograph her nails. I had to give this girl credit--I, for one, could never manage nails like that. I am constantly fiddling with my hands and those fake nails would be off by the end of one phone call with my friend Kathy. 

But maybe I'm the only one who can't manage these new-fangled fingers. After I saw the girl in the store, I found this video of an actual Fingernail Fashion Competition in Japan that is basically like a fashion show/miss america for fingernails. (Could I make this up?) Even after watching I think the most you'll see me in is bright pink for summer.

Internet Voting for...Haircuts?

When I was in high school my dad said to me (more than once), "If everyone else jumped off a cliff would you jump off, too?"

Aside from the fact that this is a total cliche, it's not a very good way to demonstrate peer pressure. At least I don't think so. Would I jump off a cliff? No. Get my belly button pierced? Maybe. I was (and still am) enough of my own person to decide what I wanted to do, whether or not someone else was doing it. (Don't worry, Dad - I'm as stubborn as ever!)

Anyway, I was taken back to those conversations with my Dad when I read this story about a beauty blogger who really did do what everyone told her to. She asked everyone on her blog whether or not she should cut bangs - they voted yes - and she's going to do it.

Now, I personally think she'll look cute with bangs, but I don't think I'd ever let total strangers decide something like that for me. Unless I really didn't care one way or the other. What about you? Would you let people vote, American Idol-style, on something in your life?

Teens Help City Council Plan a City's Future

If you've ever wondered whether you can really make a difference in the world, here's your answer...YOU CAN!

I just read this article about a city in Illinois (Peoria) that had teenagers help the city council decide what changes and plans they should make. The planning commissioner told the high school students, "It's going to be your city 20 years from now."

So, a group of local high school kids met with the city council and voiced their opinions on everything from parks and safety to teen night clubs. They're even creating a city Facebook page. (How funny is it that some of the adults didn't even know what Facebook is? They're lucky to have these teens helping!)

If you had the chance to talk to your city council what would you tell them? What would you change?

Cameras installed to watch teen drivers

If my dad could've, he would've installed a GPS chip in my arm when I was a teenager. He also liked teasing me that he kept track of the car mileage so he knew how far I was driving every time I borrowed his car. But I knew he was just razzing me. It was kind of the same thing with the GPS, but only kind of. There's part of him that really would've tried to do it if he could've. You know...parents get worried. They (and you) can't help it.

So I shouldn't be surprised that there's a new insurance program being tested that installs cameras in the cars of teenagers to watch them and make sure they're driving safely. It grades the videos for riskiness and then sends the video back to parents.

I'm a little wierded out by cameras in general. I just don't like the idea of people being able to see me re-tuck my shirt while I'm in the elevator (or pick my wedgie) but I've never been in a car with a camera. My brother-in-law has a back-up camera. Similar, only in these cases, the camera is turned to look inside the car, too.

So far, the study reports that "teen drivers participating in the program have had far fewer crashes and injury accidents than would have been expected based on national driving statistics. It also says driving risk scores measured in the recordings dropped an average 80 percent during the first 16 weeks."

Those are impressive results but I'm willing to bet that you could get the same ones just with the threat of a camera (my dad's GPS idea, while impossible, drove the message home for me). It was expected that if I got to drive, I would be a safe driver. And all those hours practicing with my dad in the passenger seat were helpful when it came to being safe. It will be interesting to see if parents really do put cameras in their cars. I don't think mine would've, but I'm not sure. And would I? I don't think so - not unless there had been accidents and tickets that warranted it. I think as long as you've earned, and keep, your parents trust, no cameras are necessary. I was a good driver. My sister Annie on the other hand? She might have gotten a camera installed. (Sorry, Annie!)

What do you think? How would you feel about a camera in your car? Do you think your parents would install one? Why or why not?

Girl Worth Getting to Know - Kayte Gyles

I consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world because I get to meet some really, really cool teenagers - and 18-year-old Kayte Gyles is one of them.

I met Kayte and her parents when they were in New York last month visiting from British Columbia, Canada. If you met Kaye today, you would be impressed with her sense of humor and boundless energy, that fact that she's a competitive curler, and how much she loves her dog. But what you wouldn't know is that Kayte is also a cancer survivor and she's about to shave her head again, this time to help other people dealing with cancer.

We had so much fun hanging out and Kayte is such an incredible person, that I wanted you all to get to know her, too.

SB: Even though you look great with a shaved head, you didn't do it for a fashion statement (at least not at first!). Tell us why you did it.
KG: Well, I went bald for the first time last year when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I was diagnosed twenty days before my seventeenth birthday and my chemotherapy caused me to lose my hair. I actually ended up shaving my head the day after my birthday because I wanted some control over the cancer.

Now, I’m going bald for a second time. It’s been nine months since my last chemotherapy and I have some hair, not a lot. I’m going to be shaving it on April 26th (that's tomorrow!) for a fund raiser called Balding for Dollars. (Donate to support Kayte and her cancer awareness efforts!) It’s an amazing organization that does so many great things! Balding For Dollars helps families who financially struggle with all the extras. They hold teen adventure camps where we can just be ourselves and be comfortable with who we are. They have great camps for the younger children and for their families and they have started a teen support group that meets once a month. I can personally say that its one of the greatest things ever!

SB: It's pretty cool that you're out there raising money and awareness for other people. How else do you keep busy?
KG: Well, when I’m not bugging friends or family to donate, or help out with something cancer related, you can find me either on a curling rink or curled up on my couch with my laptop and my dog, Willow, writing. Sometimes I am out with my camera because I love photography!

SB: What was your first thought after your own cancer diagnosis?
KG: Well, my first thought when they told me that I had cancer was along the lines of, Oh S*#@!  But honestly, I wasn’t shocked. I’ve always been a kid who hasn’t been too healthy and there was always a part of me that thought one day I might have cancer, and it turned out, I was right!

SB: How do you think having cancer changed your relationship with your parents?
KG: My parents and I have always been really close, but cancer definitely made us closer. I became a child again and the things that were usually considered pretty easy definitely weren’t for me. My mom had to help me change, shower, and there was a time she even had to help me shave my armpits! Then when my mom wasn’t around my dad would have to help me walk back and forth from the bathroom and any sense of privacy was definitely lost.

SB: Tell us a little about competitive curling. (Kayte's quite an athlete.) How did you first get into it?
KG: I started curling five years ago when my parents told me that they wanted me to do something physical and they thought I would love curling. I personally wanted nothing to do with it! I thought curling was only for nerds and at the time I didn’t want to admit that I truly was a nerd. (SB: For the record, nerds are cool.)

Beginning curling was not a very fun experience for me! I was awful and there were some days that I wanted to quit and I even had a few coaches tell me that I should, but that’s what gave me the drive to do better. By Christmas, I was absolutely in love with the sport and all my presents had something to do with curling.

In these past five years, my team and I have gone to 3 provincial championships and curling is definitely a dream that will never die for me. Curling is my number one passion and I know that one day I will be representing Canada in the Olympics!

SB: Since this is an interview for RaiseYourParents.com do you have any great tips for dealing with parents in general?
KG: Honestly, I’ve never really had problems with my parents. I’m an only child and from the get go we’ve always treated each other with respect. The worst thing I have ever done as a child is get cancer and that wasn’t even my fault. I never gave my parents a reason not to like me and in return my parents have never given me a reason to rebel against them. I think it all comes down to trust and respect and understanding of each other.

SB: You're a senior this year, what are your plans for next year?
KG: I’m taking a semester off to curl competitively and then I’ll be starting school in the New Year and majoring in creative writing at a local college.

SB: If you had to choose what you wanted to do for the rest of your life right this minute, what would you choose and why?
KG: That’s a really great question and I think I’d choose to be a writer. I’ve been telling stories since I was a child and being an author has always been something that I’ve dreamed of. My dream and goal is to be an award-winning author!

SB: Ahhh, you're a writer. Without giving away any specifics, can you tell us if you're writing anything now?
KG: Right now I’m working on a novel about my journey through cancer. It’s to raise awareness about teens and cancer and to also show that cancer isn’t something everyone dies from. Its something that looked at, the right way can be a huge life lesson.

SB: Anything else we should all know about Kayte Gyles?
KG: I’m insanely sarcastic, a total dreamer and my imagination is my best friend.

Want to support Kayte and Balding for Dollars? Donate here!

Should School Start Later?...Teens Need Their Sleep

My high school started at 7:30am. Every morning. Every weekday. It was excruciating.

Looking back, I have no idea how I managed to ever show up to my homeroom class on time. Not to mention all the days I went to early assemblies and school council meetings and had to get their at the ungodly hour of 6:30am.

Nowadays, I wake up at 7:30am. That's what time my alarm goes off, not the time I am supposed to be at my first meeting. (No, I don't go to the gym in the mornings - I really, really value my sleep.)

So, you can imagine how happy I was to read that some schools are considering moving start times to a little later and more reasonable time of day (i.e. nearer to 9:00am instead of 7:00am). Of course, this means that students will be in school later in the afternoon and I used to treasure those free afternoons when the adults of the world were still at work...but you can't have everything.

Do you like the early rise-and-shine schedule of most schools or would you rather get an extra hour of shut-eye every night? You know what I would vote for...

The AP thinks thrifty teens is a new phenomenon. Hmm....

I was reading this article about the economy and the impact it's having on teenagers. According to the Associated Press, there aren't as many summer jobs available and with costs going up for everything from movies to flip-flops, teens are getting thrifty.

News flash: Teens have always been thrifty.

I mean, seriously, do they really think that teens had unlimited budgets before the market started to change? Teens have been shopping vintage and making their own clothes for years. For generations. Probably since the dawn of time. I think it's funny that the AP thinks this is a new trend.

What about you? Are you feeling the pinch from the stock market and rising costs of gas? Probably. But is it inspiring to learn to sew? Probably not. You would learn anyway because you have some killer ideas for a new skirt.

PS. Interesting fact: I read somewhere that a slice of pizza always costs about the same as one subway ride. Right now, a subway ride is $2 but the other day I bought a slice of pizza and it was $3. I couldn't believe it. Now I'm panicked that my subway fare is going to go up. Then I really might be forced to be thrifty!

If you're just starting down the yellow brick road of thrifty-ness, here are a few tips:

1. Recycle your clothes and wear your old t-shirts and tank tops to the gym. I actually sleep in mine. My Old Navy tanks are my favorite for summer when it's really hot in the middle of the night.
2. Craving a Jamba Juice? Pull out the blender, some bananas from your kitchen and some frozen fruit from the freezer. Mix with ice and voila! A free Jamba (at least free in the sense that you didn't have to pay for the groceries...)
3. Most grocery stores offer discount tickets to movies. Check with your local gas station, too. I used to get $4 tickets at the grocery store and save a few bucks every movie I saw. More money for popcorn!

What's your best thrifty secret?

Why are fewer teenagers learning to drive?

I read this op-ed called "Driving Miss Chloe" in the New York Times a few weeks ago and was surprised when I read the statistic that fewer teenagers are learning to drive - not because they can't, but because they don't really need or want to. I figure most things printed in the New York Times are correct (it is the most important paper in the country, after all) but I had to double check this stat. Why wouldn't teenagers want to be able to drive off in to the sunset?

Sure enough, it's true. Fewer teenagers feel the need to get their driver's licenses today than teenagers 10 years ago. So, what gives? I was so ready to drive when I was 16 that I begged my mom to take me to the DMV the morning of my birthday. I didn't even want to wait for the school day to be over. (She didn't go for that and I had to wait those painful 7 hours through my classes before finally getting my ticket to freedom. At least that's how I saw it.)

Now, though, I live in New York and I don't have a car. (I don't think a Vespa counts, does it?) And I'm glad not to have a car, not just because parking is a pain and insurance would cost me almost my entire paycheck (at least it feels that way) but driving is just stressful. Not to mention that gas is over $3.00 a gallon. This is going to make me sound super old, but less than 10 years ago when I was in high school, gas was 99 cents a gallon. Seriously. And I could barely fill up my tank then! I would try to go as far as possible on $4.00 because then I could get a diet coke at the gas station, too.

Do teenagers feel the same way I do? Is driving just too much of a hassle? I know parents are worried about their teenagers driving because it can be dangerous but I think teens are motivated by something different. Why do you think not as many teenagers care about driving? Is it because their friends are driving? Or because they have to pay for their own gas and insurance? Or because they really are just happy to have their parents drive them around? What do you think?

Top Ten Things I'm Excited About for Spring

My parents came to visit me and my husband in New York a few months ago (they hadn't come to see us in THREE YEARS and I told them if they didn't come by March 1, 2008, they were officially disowned. They booked plane tickets like the next day--they could tell I was serious). Anyway, in honor of their visit, I called a friend who works at The Late Show with David Letterman (good friend to have, right? That's not the only reason I like him, promise!) and we got tickets to the show! My dad totally loved it--definitely the highlight of the weekend. Diane Keaton was on that night. Oh, did I mention my parents brought my sister Jennie with them? We had so much fun!

Anyway, I was thinking about the show and one of the best parts was watching Dave give the Top Ten List. That night it was the "Top Ten Signs You're Watching a Bad Monster Movie" (Cloverfield has just come out and Dave didn't recommend it.) Since then, I've been making all sorts of random top tens lists in my life. (Random fact, the way I got on to the school paper in high school was writing a top ten list of why they needed me. The faculty advisor loved it and I was on.) Anyway, since I've become a sort of top ten addict, I decided to write the top ten things I'm excited for this spring. Here goes:

1. Wearing flip flops. I love how havaianas are plastic but don't cut into your skin.

2. Having the sun stay up later and later. Hello, 8:00pm walks home through the park!

3. Getting a little color on my cheeks. I'm super scared on skin cancer (this is the best fake tanner ever) but I love having just a touch of sun on my face. Right now I look like Casper's big sister.

4. Free summer concerts in Central Park!

5. Going on my book tour!!

6. The fact that the new Indiana Jones movie is coming out on May 23rd! I love the first three. How could you not?

7. Sitting outside at cafes (it's not Paris, but better than inside, don't you think?)

8. Getting to pet all the little dogs that are walking around with their owners. I wish I could have a cute, fuzzy, little puppy.

9. How the month of May is usually the perfect temperature in New York! (The rest of the summer is pretty much sweltering hot and you sweat just standing there, so May is heaven.)

10. Jamie Lidell has a new album coming out at the end of April. Remember that Target TV commercial "a little bit more, a little bit more?" Can't wait to see what Mr. Lidell has to offer this time around.

What's the best way to spend $1?

I was reading an article on how to eat in New York on 99 cents a day and it got me thinking about things that cost just $1. And, of all the things that cost just a dollar, which are the best? I know, it's totally unrelated to the original article, but this is just how my brain works. So, here's my list of The 10 Best Ways to Spend $1.00:

1. A used paperback book at The Strand (there are even books for 50 cents, so in that case, two used paperback books at The Strand)
2. A can of diet coke. I know it's probably going to give me cancer one day, but I LOVE diet coke.
3. Printing a photo at the Kodak booth at the pharmacy. Most are under $1 and then you have a pic for your desk or locker.
4. Wet & Wild lip liner in "Brandy Wine" - looks good on everyone! (There are a bunch of other 99 cent items from Wet & Wild that I love too.)
5. A 99 cent card at Hallmark.
6. A stamp to mail the Hallmark card. (Can I just say it's crazy that one stamp costs 41 cents?!)
7. A banana. Come on, who doesn't like a banana? You can eat it in the car without even getting your hands dirty.
8. The 99 cent french fries off the dollar menu at McDonald's.
9. A phone call (the average 20-minute phone calls costs about $1).
10. You can find some pretty cool stuff at thrift stores for $1. My best purchase? A plain pink t-shirt with the tags still on it. Two years later, I'm still wearing it.

Why my life is like HBO's The Wire

I am addicted to the HBO show The Wire. I started watching it on Netflix and still have the entire final season (season 5) to go, but I think it’s the single best TV show I’ve ever watched. (Time magazine thinks so too.)

This isn’t my normal style of TV entertainment. It’s really gritty and some episodes are even gory. The characters are drug dealers and cops and addicts, but the genius of the show is that you see the human part of everyone. It’s not black or white—good or bad. There’s right and wrong in every situation, in every person. And that’s why it means something.

I’ve had a few times in my life when I’ve seen my own evil side. Like when I got mad at my sister and pushed her, and she knocked her head against the dresser and actually started bleeding. I don’t consider myself abusive or violent, but in that moment I was. I had no excuse.

How can you be honest with yourself about your “good” and “bad” traits? How can you keep your negative tendencies from taking over? There’s this kid, Michael, in the fourth season of the Wire and he’s an incredible person but then he just gives in to his situation, his dark side. (I won’t say more because I don’t want to give it away.) And even though the people in my life aren’t slinging drugs or carrying guns, we all have our own demons. How do you keep the demons at bay?