Profiles in Awesome: Jordan and Meredith

Again, I don't mean to minimize the individuality of these folks, but ohmigosh it's almost June! Time is flying.

Jordan is another treasured MOMI educator who I met when I first started working at the Museum. I'll admit I was initially intimidated by her style and coolness, but we became friends quickly and she's great to talk to about most anything, from film to education to celebrity gossip. I was also jazzed to find someone who appreciated blog culture the way I did, and who wrote an awesome blog herself. And lastly, she's always been extremely generous - helping me find jobs, inviting us over to her Brooklyn apartment for parties, "and so on" (as my Chinese students are fond of saying).

I didn't meet Meredith until later on in the year, since she was doing PhD work in California, but I had heard so many good things about her from the other MOMI staff that she was sort of the stuff of legend. Also the author of a terrific blog, Meredith is creative, artistic, smart, and really, really funny. Whenever I've hung out with her, she always makes me laugh, and then I try to cut down on my laughing, which never works and just sort of makes my laughter more shrill. Meredith also sent me my first snail-mail letter in China, which earns her a special place in my heart.

In addition to being a generally fantastic couple, Jordan and Meredith brought Sprout into my life, who (aside from Java, R.I.P.) is probably my favorite dog ever. I know she gets around town and has affection for anyone in her general proximity, but I'll ignore that fact and just hope I get to romp around Prospect Park with her (and her owners) this summer. Thanks for all the thoughtful commenting and online support, J & M. I've really appreciated it while I've been away.

Profiles in Awesome: Jamie & Ned

I honestly don't mean to discount the separate and unique qualities of these two individuals, but I've just realized that I have four weeks left of my semester (seriously) and loads to blog about, so I'm going to combine forces on this one.

One of the best things about working at the Museum of the Moving Image was the opportunity to meet such wonderful people. In retrospect, I'm a little embarrassed by how often I was probably talking (as opposed to "working") but I just felt so lucky to stumble into this group of folks, and we always had so much to talk about. I had a girl-crush on Jamie immediately, due to her artistic sensibility, humor, wit, fashion sense, and our mutual love for Michael Cera. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, which, for some reason I always associate with summertime: ice cream cones with old racist ladies, 4th of July rooftop parties, birthday picnics in Prospect Park.

I felt equally comfortable with Ned when I first met him, even if his interest in Michael Cera was more platonic. He's very smart, easy to talk to and there's a genuine kindness about him, which makes him a great friend (and educator). Both of them are always up for something fun and interesting, like experimental film screenings at Light Industry or dancing up a storm to Fischerspooner or humoring me when I want to ride the tram to Roosevelt Island. (FYI, it moves very slowly).

So here's to you, Ned and Jamie, readers of my blog, dear friends, and a great couple. Thanks so much for the support while I've been gone and I look forward to more city fun this summer.

Birthday drinks at LIC Bar on my birthday. The first and only time I've had Patron and it was delicious.

Profiles in Awesome: Peppi Glass

I know, you were all expecting a blog post about Laos. But that's me - full of surprises and keeping you all on your toes. I've realized that my time here is short and there are still many supportive people who have not received a proper Profile In Awesome. One of these is my lovely great-aunt, Peppi.


I consider myself really lucky to have Peppi in my life. She is great at keeping in touch and has always kept in contact throughout college, New York City, and especially my time in China. She's smart, thoughtful, and worldly. She's always seen the latest independent, cutting-edge film before I have, and she's full of book recommendations on every topic imaginable. And somehow, in between raising a family and substitute teaching, she's also an accomplished sculptor. I think my favorite piece of hers is the one in my grandmother's house, but here she is with another beautiful one, called "In-Decision," which won a prize.


But aside from the cultural cool factor, I think what I love most about Peppi is the fact that she treats everyone, regardless of age, like a peer. I remember feeling this way about her when I was very, very young. And last year I watched her interact with Delilah, my little cousin, and it only confirmed it further. It's a trait I really respect and I can only hope to emulate in my life.

So, here's to you, Aunt Peppi! I love you and thank you for all the support you've given me this year.

Profiles in Awesome: Freya Bellin

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February 25th (which is tomorrow in China) is the birthday of my lovely grandmother and my dear friend, Freya, who is long overdue for an internet shout-out.

Freya and I met in math class in 7th grade at Hommocks Middle School, a prison masquerading as a learning facility. We also did something called "Reading Advantage." I don't quite remember the point of it, but it was some sort of elective and it gave us the opportunity to become better friends. Then came 8th grade, where we were both had the illustrious teaching team of McCurdy and Ahern. Ostensibly we were learning English and Social Studies, but we also spent ample time creating nicknames for the boys we had crushes on. And there was a lot of giggling. I actually remember running out of my history class because I was laughing so hard. Oh, middle school.

The point of all that is to say that I met Freya at the height of my awkwardness and somehow she saw through that and became one of my closest friends, someone who I've always had a deep respect for and known I could count on. I've gone to her with many relationship problems, whether they involve parents or boyfriends or roommates or certain cast members of the sitcom Scrubs. She's smart, thoughtful, and a good listener - but most of all, she's extremely non-judgmental and I find that to be a rare quality in most people. And despite the fact that she now wears high heels and has a Real Job, she has a terrific sense of humor that's always been the mainstay of our friendship. (If you need proof, I have a few choice videos from tenth grade, including a J-Lo video remake and a trippy Chanukah-related murder mystery. Katie is implicated as well.)

So here's to you, Fritabean - I hope you have a joyous birthday with all the Manhattan trimmings. I miss you lots and look forward to a New York reunion this summer.

Profiles in Awesome: Adria Pass

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Another long overdue blog post of appreciation, which is especially timely because I'm about to leave for a month-long travel adventure. I'll be away from my computer, my bed, my cozy apartment, and my favorite "home" memento: a beautifully crafted cloth scrapbook my aunt Adria made for me before I left.



It's an amazing book, filled with collages and photographs and messages from my family. I was so moved when she gave it to me - I honestly forgot that my leaving affected anyone but myself. A selfish thought, I know - but this book reminded me of the family I'm so lucky to have, especially my aunt. Adria is so modest about her skills, but she is an incredible photographer, chef, quilter, craftswoman - the list goes on and on. She's also a very genuine and thoughtful person and whenever I'm at her house (which is awesomely close to my parents' house), I feel a sense of safety and warmth. I definitely miss that while being in China.

So, thank you Adria: for both your beautiful quilts and your constant support. I miss and love you.

Profiles in Awesome: Hannah (Baron von) Harrison

This is a way overdue post for Hannah Harrison: long-time friend, devoted reader of my blog and former China resident herself. I feel really indebted to her for the support I get while I'm here - it's heartening to know that there's someone out there who checks in on me and understands all the quirks and tribulations of living in China. And who understands all my Michael & Michael & David references. (And my Arrested Development references, 30 Rock references, early Family Guy references...). And she likes SET. And she had an incredibly beautiful, fun, and special wedding last summer that I had the privilege of attending. I could write a whole post about it, but in short: it was in Austin, she looked radiant, we had a miniature Michigan reunion, the country music band was great, the margaritas were flowing,she was marrying an awesome dude, and the next day, everyone (including her really terrific parents) spent the whole day at the best water park in the world.

But before any of those things came to light, we were just two fresh-faced young women sharing a hallway in East Quad (which is how we met). We both took Chinese classes together and I was grateful for a friend, because those classes are usually populated with - for lack of a better word - weirdos. Then we would go back to our dorm and study and watch television and roll around on the floor. Hannah would make some popcorn and I would eat it. But eventually, she would venture to the library to study organic chemistry for hours at a time because she's one of the most hardworking people I know. Then we all grew up, kind of, and moved to the city, where would meet at our favorite cheap bar filled with NYU students and talk about our jobs and life and Wet Hot American Summer. After spending two years teaching in the New York City public school system, she's changing her focus to medicine, and I know wherever she ends up, she'll do great. While I hope that we can live in the same city again, if she does end up in Texas I'll secretly be glad because it'll be an excuse to visit her and eat delicious barbecue and savor the South. 我 爱 你！ 我也想你！ 你 是 很 好 的 朋友！我 知道你考 MCAT 的时侯， 你会考得非常好 。 (Totally grammatically wrong, but you get my drift...) Miss you, H-Bar!

Profiles in Awesome: Talia Kahn-Kravis

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Today at 10:30 a.m. (my time) and 6:30 pm (Talia's time), our paths crossed digitally and we talked for a while, which was so nice. She really brightens my day. Our friendship is not usually so Jew-y, but at the time this picture was taken we had just finished wishing one another a happy Chanukah, which led to symbolically lighting a candle, then having a Skype singalong. We did "Chanukah, oh, Chanukah" and "S'vivon, sov sov sov" and "Not By Might, Not By Power" for the Debbie Friedman fans. I know there's a song about Macabees but I can't remember it. (Anyone know?) All I recall is a 1990 home video of me singing it, and then telling my mother and sister that they could only sing along if they did so quietly. I was such a little emperor.

Back to my Profile: Talia and I met in third grade, when she moved from the hard streets of Brooklyn to the slightly softer streets of Larchmont. She was such a tomboy and I could barely kick a soccer ball, but we bonded over performing weird little plays and taping music videos in her basement. Our relationship has had a lot of incarnations and ebbs & flows over the years - she started listening to Hot 97 in 7th grade, while I was pretty content with my cassette of the hit single "Alone" by the Bee Gees - but our friendship has only gotten stronger, especially after we lived together in Astoria and experienced all the joys of piecing together underpaid, part-time jobs in our fields of interest. Although we're miles apart, I am always grateful for her love and support. 我 爱 你 ！

Profiles in Awesome: Rischa Gottlieb

Another segment in an all-important series! Today this blog post is dedicated to Rischa Gottlieb, who I met my first year at the University of Michigan. When we met, there was lots to bond over (being out-of-staters from New York, but not Long Island, being Jewish, being chatty, etc), but I think it was reminiscing over our middle-school penchant for dark lipstick and dramatic clothing and chokers that cemented our bond. If you can imagine me as a 7th grader, you will understand that that look did nothing for me (especially with braces). With Rischa's Haitian roots, I think she probably pulled it off, but still.

Anyway, by the time college rolled around, I think we had come to our (fashion) senses and quickly became friends and had long talks about sexuality and relationships and books. I'm especially grateful that we lived in the same city/borough for the past few years - if there was anything weird and artsy and bizarre and awesome going on in New York City, I could always rely on Rischa to be game for trying it out. And friends like that are really important. Plus, on a completely shallow note, she's gorgeous.

So here's to Rischa! Proud Queens resident, girlfriend to the equally awesome Randi, future graduate student, and all around sassy lady who makes me laugh. Oh, and I know she reads this blog, so this is a totally transparent way to thank her & keep her as a loyal reader...

L'Chaim!

Profiles in Awesome: Sophie Glass

After an eventful night at Free Club, we're spending the day packing, buying food supplies, and getting ready for our trip to Chang Bai Shan. Happy National Day, China! But being away means that I won't be able to wish my lovely sister, Sophie, a happy birthday on October 4th. So here's an early greeting: Zhu Ni Shengri Kuai Le!

I miss all my friends and family, but not being able to talk to Sophie often is definitely one of the harder parts of being away. She understands me better than anyone, she's a great listener and super smart, adventurous, and thoughtful. She's doing amazing work at The Sonoran Institute and even though it's not typical for older sisters to feel this way, I look up to her in a big way. So, happy happy happy birthday to a wonderful woman. I miss you!

Profiles In Awesome: Bernice Glass

After a particularly long day in Chinese class last week, I ambled by the letter rack and saw a letter with my name on it. It was from my lovely grandmother, and she included a photo of the two of us, a little fortune from a fortune cookie and a nice note. It was so sweet and thus, I wanted to give her a blog shout-out.

Bern is a wonder. She takes great care of herself and has a terrific sense of humor, not to mention excellent wit and comic timing. (To an obnoxious early-riser friend: "Good for you. Why don't you get a paper route?") When I visit her, we usually grab food at Buddy's, my favorite Jewish deli in Queens, where the matzoh ball soup is delicious and the bowls are so huge you could swim in them. Then it's back to her place, where we browse her catalogue of over 200 movies, all on VHS and taped from television. She keeps a list of them in a little notebook, alphabetized and numerically labeled, because she is more organized than I could ever dream of being. I've seen tons of stuff with her, ranging from And The Band Played On to Gaslight to Primal Fear. But since I'm a sucker for Montgomery Clift, I think my favorites have been The Heiress or A Place in the Sun. Oh, Montgomery. How I love your brooding dark looks and your ambiguous sexual orientation.

She's a strong woman, my grandmother. She has dealt with all kinds of struggles, from family issues to major illnesses, and has persevered. Maybe I'm biased, but she raised two incredible people (my dad and my aunt) and ran my grandfather's washing machine repair business for many years after his death. So, props to you, Bernice Glass. I am always sad that I never got to know Stanley and Kurt and Erna, my other grandparents, but I am so lucky that I have you in my life, and that I have your support on this journey far from home.