Book me

To do: Read Amazon's 50 Top Books of 2006

Although I thought there were a LOT of cookbooks in the mix

Just think of all the connections

I was browsing people I know from high school's friends on MySpace (does that make sense) and found a guy that works with a boy from my HS who graduated from Wausau HS in 1997 - aka would've been in the same class as Jen Meyer and Short Jake.

I haven't talked to the boy from my HS since HS and definately he wasn't even a friend in HS so clearly I'm not going to bring up this random connection - plus this connection isn't a super relevent or insightful or interesting even to me as a lover of random connections.

However, I did think it noteworthy enough to blog about, I guess.. Also made me want to make a list of all the people I can get to via TWO different paths of networking (I'm sure you've heard my stories about this) but I'm too tired right now to embark on that task.

I like the NYT

I recently subscribed to a few newsletters put out by the New York Times and while the articles within the newsletter aren't always relevent to me, I often link to one and end up finding a bunch of other stuff to read on the site. I came across this today, and it makes so much sense. However, I'm sure there are many people who don't discuss this stuff before they get married. People are dumb. Here's the list:

1) Have we discussed whether or not to have children, and if the answer is yes, who is going to be the primary care giver?

2) Do we have a clear idea of each other’s financial obligations and goals, and do our ideas about spending and saving mesh?

3) Have we discussed our expectations for how the household will be maintained, and are we in agreement on who will manage the chores?

4) Have we fully disclosed our health histories, both physical and mental?

5) Is my partner affectionate to the degree that I expect?

6) Can we comfortably and openly discuss our sexual needs, preferences and fears?

7) Will there be a television in the bedroom?

8) Do we truly listen to each other and fairly consider one another’s ideas and complaints?

9) Have we reached a clear understanding of each other’s spiritual beliefs and needs, and have we discussed when and how our children will be exposed to religious/moral education?

10) Do we like and respect each other’s friends?

11) Do we value and respect each other’s parents, and is either of us concerned about whether the parents will interfere with the relationship?

12) What does my family do that annoys you?

13) Are there some things that you and I are NOT prepared to give up in the marriage?

14) If one of us were to be offered a career opportunity in a location far from the other’s family, are we prepared to move?

15) Does each of us feel fully confident in the other’s commitment to the marriage and believe that the bond can survive whatever challenges we may face?

Fun article - I concur on most if not all

Most Overrated (and Underrated) Destinations 2006

Overrated includes:

• Florida - YES, YES, YES
• Florence, Italy (3 days was 2 too many when we visited)
• Cape Cod (in the summer at least - it's nice in fall)
• St. Thomas, USVI (St. Johns, however rocks)

Minneapolis vs. St. Paul

My friend Nate told me he found his new favorite bar in the Twin Cities - the Muddy Pig on Dale in St. Paul. Knowing Nate is from St. Paul and currently lives in St. Paul, I still questioned how it could be that great since it's in St. Paul.

If you know me, you know I love lists, thus, his response is super fun:

Haven't you learned that most of the best things in the Twin Cities reside in Saint Paul?

1. Best pizza
2. best sushi
3. best bar
4. best Mexican (restaurant)
5. best stadium/concert venue
6. best Irish bar
7. best German restaurant (best German bar is still Gasthof, however)
8. best Italian deli
9. best steak/lobster dish
10. best Russian restaurant
11. best airport
12. best ice cream

I'll give Minneapolis

1. best club
2. best downtown
3. best pool hall
4. best lake
5. best German bar
6. best strip club
7. best $ex store
8. best bridge
9. best coffee shop

Okay, so maybe it is closer than I thought, but still: advantage Saint Paul.

I'd like him to fill in a few details (I could guess but why not go straight to the source) and get your take. Minneapolis vs. St. Paul - what do you think? And don't just say "Minneapolis" but give your lists of why and what. It'll be fun people...