Rebecca A. Foster

I hate surprises. No, really, I do. I would rather watch a movie I've already seen or read a book I've already read. I like knowing what's going to happen. Even when the surprises are supposed to be romantic, or fun, I don't really enjoy them. I don't like not knowing what to expect. (China hasn't beaten this out of me yet .) I want to know upfront what you want. The men who get anywhere with me are direct, and don't spring anything on me. (Sorry, but this is one chica who does not like the swoop-and-surprise-Predator-drone kiss. I actually have a funny story about one such kiss. Another time I'll have to share it.) So, when I read this quotation from John Krasinski, I swooned: " I'm a huge classics fan. I love Ernest Hemingway and J.D. Salinger. I'm that guy who rereads a book before I read newer stuff, which is probably not all that progressive, and it's not really going to make me a better reader. I'm like, "Oh, my God, you...

I learned something heartbreaking today: John Krasinski can't dance! Para nada!  In this week's episode of The Office , he looked like an awkward 12 year old boy. So sad. And true story: I've never met a man who was a bad dancer who was also a good kisser. Bad dancer = bad LOTS of things. Busy Bee Suzy asked me about English names for Chinese students.  All English majors choose an English name to use throughout their college career, and even many non-English majors do too. Their Chinese teachers make them choose, this isn't a foreign teacher thing. They often choose random words instead of traditional names, so I have students named Sin, Xanadu, Sunfree, Seabird, Jelly, Apple, Little Mosquito, Devil, Stone, Hip, etc. Some of them will choose a more traditional name if they plan on working with foreigners. For example, the secretary of our Foreign Affairs Office goes by Cassie and her Chinese family name when she deals with foreigners; her email address reflects both ...

From the most recent episode of The Office : Pam, to Jim: "[My father] said that you told him how much you love me, about how you feel when I walk in a room, and about how you've never doubted for a second I'm the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with."  [hugging and tears between Jim and Pam here] Pam, to the camera: "When you're a kid you assume your parents are soulmates. My kids are gong to be right about that."  Awww.... Yeah, I know, it's just a show. But here's what I love about Jim and Pam: the sweetness. They don't always say and do the perfect things, they've been not-so-sensitive to each other on occasion, they've experienced awkwardness and uncertainty about each other, and they've both had moments of heartache. Pretty realistic stuff. But they both care, and they both try. Of course, this is tv, so things finally have worked out in the end, but still...it's one of my favorite depictions of fictionaliz...

I've been waiting for the day Olivia Newton-John's Let's Get Physical would make an appearance on The Office . Friends, that day has come, and with it the return of The Office I know and love. We're only two episodes in, but so far this season is Killing It. 4th Season wasn't bad, it had some funny moments, but overall, I have to confess I don't even remember very much about it. But two episodes in, the 5th season is reminding me of seasons 2 and 3. Which is a very good thing. (Especially season 2, the high point I think.) And the best part of course, Jim...making jokes, playing pranks, taking a stand with Pam. Here is my favorite Jim moment from Episode 2. If I could find a man like this...I would no longer be single.

There's this guy I knew. I loved him. I enjoyed the silent moments with him more than actually talking to any other guy. Quality of silences means something to me. Silences tell the story between two people. One thing I like about The Office is its willingness for silence. You'll notice how little talking there is in these scenes. Much more realistic than always having the perfect thing to say. (And yeah this video is cheesy, but I can't find any other clips that show the silences as well. But I really like this song.)

Why yes, yes I do. Thank you, mug people. (Afternoon tea at my desk. Very exciting life I lead.)

A few things: 1. FloJo eloped today! For those that know her, she will no longer use Floyd, but I am still calling her FloJo. 2. In Vegas last weekend, I lost one of the diamond earrings my dad gave me several years ago. Just plum fell out. I never wore them regularly 'til my dad died, then wore them as a reminder of him. And seems kind of appropriate, as I am coming to different terms with his death, that I lost it. Time to move on to another stage of remembrance. Also, a reminder how transient "things" are, and why they don't really matter. 3. Did you know The Office starts back up this week? It does. RFos + JKras forever! 4. I had so much fun in EMT class last night, it hit me how my classmates are incredible people, funny and talented with diverse goals and a desire to help others. It's just a good feeling to be there with them. And my teacher is awesome and joked around with us when I asked why no one had thought to make bras out of the new splinting mate...

I'm hitting the road, I leave you with a little John to remember me by. (A man in a suit: can never get enough of that. Add the tie loosening, I'm jello.) And a link to my favorite Jim/Pam video on YouTube. Yes, I am this geeky. Also, I love this song. And some Jim and Pam. And some John. April 10th, folks! P.S., the expected high tomorrow in San Antonio? 93 degrees. Ah, home sweet home.

"Happy birthday, my darling sweetness. I find you so charming and lovely, it breaks my heart we can't be together *kiss*" (Wait...you couldn't hear it? Weird.)

Wow. Turns out John Krasinski has hazel green eyes . Isn't it amazing the chemical rush that occurs just from looking at a face you find attractive? This man, I find attractive. Long live biology. But is it biology or socialization that makes me want to nuzzle into his neck and nom those cute ears for a bit? (And that little spot just below his ear. Wonderful spot.) Who knows. I'm usually more dog-like, love men who make me feel kittenish. (This goes for men I actually know too, of course.) And I know it's scratchy, but love stubble. Green eyes and stubble. Happy weekend to me!

A couple of random things: 1. Online shopping. Because when you order something it's like giving yourself a gift twice: when you order it, and when the box arrives on your doorstep. Sometimes I order things and then forget about it, so it's really a surprise. Even when what you've ordered is for someone else, still fun to get a package. Two things I don't order online, though: shoes and jeans. You gotta know those puppies fit. 2. Canned cranberry sauce. I put away a whole can yesterday. So good layered atop mashed potatoes and stuffing. I like cutting it along the lines, too. Much more fun than fresh. 3. John Krasinski, cover boy. I don't usually find really tall guys attractive, because, duh you can't reach 'em, but loving those arms and hands. And how cute are those big eyes? Those eyes would actually want to hear how your day went. I'd just hope he were sitting down so I could react appropriately.

1. True Religion 'Joey' stretch denim jeans. Because they have a 34" inseam (long enough to wear with high heeled boots) and 7" rise (low enough to sit on the hip bones, not so low you have to worry about flashing people when you drop your keys). And with just a wee bit of lycra, a great fit if you are a bit curvier and like pants that don't gap at the waist in order to fit around your bum (and who does??). I also have a pair of NYLaundry jeans I found at a thrift store for five bucks that I love for the same reasons. I don't know where to find another pair like this. But if you come across any, try them out. Nordstrom.com, $172 - $216. 2. The Other Rebecca is in town this week for work and staying with me rather than at a hotel. Because we are such wild and crazy gals, the other night we stayed up late in our jammies watching Season 2 of The Office , which FloJo has never seen (sacrilege, darling!). It was so fun watching it again for the first time through ...

For some reason, I suddenly feel like taking a really looong, warm, cozy nap. Not sure why. (Special thanks to Lauren T. for sending me this pic. I love Lauren T.!) (P.S. John and I are obvs. meant to be in love because, no lie, I own that same leopard print rug.)

One good thing about getting older: if you keep in touch with your peeps, gradually you all thin out across the country/globe, which means you have friends (sometimes with spare beds/couches) all over the place. Awesome! It also means you get e-mails and text messages that contain such random comments as to make you stop and marvel that THIS SENTENCE is how your lives are still converging. A sampling from the past week (from memory, I am too lazy to go look them up): 1. Florida friend: "Just got back from Hemingway's house. I heart Jim!" This friend and I often send each other random "I heart Jim"* texts because it sets off a volly of "I know! He is so cute! Funny! Charming! Awww" blah blah blah. Then we go back to our regularly scheduled lives. But throwing Hemingway into the mix? She wins. 2. Traveling friend: " Your sweet nature, darling, was too hard to swallow, my heart goes bang bang bang bang. FYI I'm in NYC, heading out in a few...

I'm really loving all the John Krasinski media interviews right now. This guy is confident enough to be effortlessly cool, a little shy, and gloriously beta. Which in case you didn't know, is totally charming and seriously hot. Even better, he looks fabulous in the clothes he's wearing these days. These jeans are a perfect fit. If you know any men who can pull off this suit and you don't introduce me, we're no longer friends. (These pants should about an inch longer, but perhaps it's the hands in the pockets messing up the line. For John, I'm willing to let it slide.) And this is the work of a GQ stylist, but he's wearing a $15 sweatshirt here, kids. And pulling it off spectacularly.