what is her secret?

As I continued my job search today, I realized that the phrase "because of the economy" has become a steady part of my diet.

The class of 2009 is struggling to find jobs because of the economy. There's been an influx of graduate program applicants because of the economy. I can't shop because of the economy.

And while we're all praying to wake up and discover the Dow Jones jumped 3,000 points over night, employers are banging down our doors to offer us our dream jobs (with paid vacations!), and someone accidentally purchased us winning lottery tickets, there are still people who are unaffected by the failing economy.

Who exactly?

Barbie Millicent Roberts.

As she approaches her fiftieth birthday tomorrow, the festivities do not appear to be tainted by the economic slump (she's no recessionista). She's starting her day with a face lift. After that, she's off to her brand new dream home. Finally, she'll revel in her newest 50 outfits.

But don't worry. While Barbie may be living life sans-slump, she still has sympathy for those struggling to get by. The newly unveiled Barbie, face lift and all, will sell for three dollars this week, which is exactly how much she cost in 1959. This is especially generous of Mattel, seeing as three dollars in 1959 is about twenty two dollars today.

And while I might be offended if I turned fifty and people decided I should be made-over and sold at half price, I think it's the perfect way to celebrate Barbie's big day. Besides, it's pretty impressive that she hasn't aged a day in fifty years.

ahead of the game

At a time when nothing seems to be quite right (war, bad economy, global warming- and yet it's still freezing...) it's comforting that some things still come together perfectly: 03.03.09.

The first square root day since 02.02.04 and the last until 04.04.16.

Granted it only seems appropriate during these shaky times that I'm a few hours behind- as it's now 03.04.09- not nearly a perfect square.

But, for me, one who is often brushing my teeth one last time while my friends are ready to go, or switching from belt to belt right as my phone alerts me that my meeting is starting, I like to think that maybe being a little behind (from time to time) is the way to go.

Would I have been part of the three car pile up only one car ahead, had I left on time? Would I have remembered to turn off my curling iron if I'd hurried out the door? Would I have gotten sick if I'd sat next to the guy with the flu, instead of being two rows behind (and ten minutes behind)? Would I have missed the new (and beautiful) satin gala tote at J'Crew had I arrived, shopped, and left five minutes earlier?

Of course, this all might be me trying to rationalize a run that was a little too long or a shower that was just too warm to get out of. Or, it might simply be a way of thinking outside the box. I mean, if Prada can get away with sending waders (yes, green fishing waders) down the runway during their fall fashion show and yet still others are actually spending money on a Snuggie (it really is a crazy world we live in) then it seems we can get away with just about anything.

And really, it may be less that we can get away with it and more that we must. We must think creatively. We must force ourselves to look at something one way, then turn it upside down and see it anew. We must give ourselves a little freedom to do what we want and find a way to rationalize it.

So really, sure, I might be a little behind on square root day. But, if you think about it, I'm about seven years, one month, and one day ahead of 04.04.16.

march is wonderful because...

1. it is getting warmer (we really will make it to spring!)
2. st. patrick's day is coming
3. about a million wonderful people celebrate their birthdays
4. march 5. (halfie)
5. flowers will start to bloom soon
6. it's spring break season
7. we can all change our calendars
8. the days are getting longer
9. it's skirts with no tights season
10. march madness

happy march :)