Yep, more of those wacky ways people ended up here:
As always, to all the new people–how did you get here?
We played this game, The Black Knight, all day at the office yesterday. Totally addictive. Hint: Hold down the mouse to get a more powerful swing.
In case you see this blimp in the skies over the U.S., please note that my Little and I helped paint it as part of the Ameriquest Soaring Dreams program. We were invited, along with all of the kids in LA who helped paint the panels a few months ago, to Dodger Stadium for today’s game (Dodger’s lost) and the Soaring Dreams Launch Ceremony. Isn’t the blimp beautiful?
Oh yeah, for those of you in other states, it was about 80 degrees and sunny. Couldn’t have asked for more perfect weather.
This morning I paid $2.59 a gallon for 87 at the Mobil station by my apartment. It cost me $25 to fill up my little Civic.
That’s. Just. Wrong.
A few years ago, I met a man in the Bed Bath & Beyond elevator at the Beverly Center. He was tall, cute, smart, funny, and you guessed it, a comic. We chatted for a bit, he asked for my number, and I gave him my business card. He took one look at my name and asked if I was Jewish. I am, and you? I asked him quite excitedly. Nah, but I could tell your last name is Jewish. And I tend to date Jewish girls, he responded.
He called the next day. We chatted for much of the evening and made plans for dinner the following night. Something didn’t feel right and I called him to cancel a few hours before our date. I tried, best I could, to explain why I only dated Jewish guys and why I didn’t think it was a good idea for us to go out.
The problem was, I couldn’t explain it. I couldn’t verbalize what I feeling.
You see, I’m not a particularly observant Jew–I don’t keep kosher, don’t observe Shabbat, and rarely go to synagogue. Because of this, many people don’t understand why I choose to date only Jewish men.
You’re not religious, why limit yourself only to Jewish men?
I get asked that at least once a month. And I cringe everytime I hear it.
In my eyes (and others may disagree with me here), being Jewish isn’t only about one’s level of observancy. I identify with being Jewish in many other ways–I am active in the Los Angeles Jewish community, I enjoy and participate in Jewish cultural events, and tikkun olam and tzedakah both play very important roles in my life.
In case you were wondering, no, my parents have never pressured me to marry a Jewish man. Of course they would prefer it, but they’ve always told me that as long as I am happy, they will be happy.
For me, dating Jewish guys makes things, for lack of a better word, easier. I don’t have to explain why I fast on Yom Kippur, I can ask for a keppe rub without getting a puzzled look in return, and it wouldn’t be considered weird that growing up, our dogs always preferred bagels over dog treats.
Plus, I want my kids (when I have them) to grow up Jewish, the way I did. Sans Christmas tree. I want them to go to Hebrew school, have a bar/bat mitzvah, and know the importance of tikkun olam and tzedakah.
But mostly, the reason is because of a feeling. A connection. A sense of community. A familiarity. And that’s what I couldn’t express to the Elevator Guy on the phone.
Google Maps new satellite page. Make sure you click on satellite to get the satellite images. More info here.
Remember a week or so ago I said I was corresponding with two guys from Jdate, neither of which I was terribly excited about? Well, here’s an excerpt (typos and all) from an email from (formerly) potential Jdate #1:
If you want, you can give me a call sometime, if that isnt too foward. You seem nice, at least you don’t seem like a potential stalker. I’ve met women on here that make the hair on your neck stand up–freaky.
So is telling me I don’t seem like a potential stalker supposed to be a compliment?
Movies: A Pretty In Pink sequel? I am so stoked! I love that movie.
TV: Does anyone else watch Dr. 90210? I’m sorry, but how old is Dr.-I’m-A-Nice-Jewish-Boy-From-New-Jersey-and-She’s-A-Nice-Catholic-Girl-From-Kentucky-Diamond? Like twelve?
And in other TV news, how sad am I that the brothers lost on Tuesday’s The Amazing Race! I was hoping they would win, or at least stick around for a few more weeks.
And in sort of related to TV news, can someone please tell me what the green and red thumbs up/down buttons on my TiVo remote are for?
Music: Looking to check out some new music? Go see my cousin’s band, Crooked Fingers, at the Knitting Factory a week from tomorrow.
Jdate: I have a tentative date Sunday evening with Jdate #2, although I have to admit I’m kind of bugged by this “tentative” crap.
Site of the Week: Pink Is The New Blog
Some recent searches that landed people here:
As usual, to all the new people–how did you get here?
Busy weekend. Started a day early. Picked up Esther at the Hollywood and Highland Metro station. Yes we have a Metro. It just doesn’t go anywhere. Met up with Annabel Lee. Had dinner. Went to Groundlings. Met more of Esther’s LA friends. Had drinks at Cat and Fiddle. Explained to Esther that on the rare occassion we do walk in LA, we definitely do not jaywalk. Went home. Got very little sleep.
Took Friday off of work. Had brunch at Swingers. Taught Esther about the left turn/two cars/red light rule. Played tourist at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Saw those crazy Star Wars peeps. Put Esther back on train down to Long Beach so she can work her magic at a conference. Made cookies to take to Shabbat shindig. Had a blast at Shabbat shindig. Drove home. Got very little sleep.
Hit Century City mall. Major sales. Got tons o’stuff. Went to Target. Spent too much money and bought more books and cute shoes. Only $16.99. What a deal. Went home. Watched The Apprentice. Finally caught up on sleep.
Just spoke to tentative Jdate boy. No date tonight. Took self off of Jdate. Considered becoming a nun. Or a lesbian.
This definitely is one of my all-time How You Got Here favorites:
how to get a jewish guy to marry you if you re not a jew
Classic.
In honor of my mom’s birthday this coming Sunday, it’s time for the fifth installment of Ask Hil’s Mom. Have a question for my Jewish mother? Post it in the comments or send it to me.
Did you miss out on the previous questions and answers? Then catch up on installments one, two, three, and four.
I was reading the news on the local NBC station’s website and saw this:
Is it just me, or is this a strange image to choose? It’s a crotch shot! They couldn’t find a file photo complete with a guy’s head?
I just got home from a really stressful meeting with my Little’s mom and the case worker. It’s a long story and I don’t want to get into it here but I got really frustrated and when the mom left, I cried. So much craziness. Everyday I consider ending the match but then I think about my Little and the impact it would have on her. I just can’t disappoint her like that.
In other news, Tentative Jdate Guy emailed me saying he noticed I removed my profile from Jdate. Then he suddenly felt the need to set plans in stone. So, we are supposedly getting together a week from Wednesday. Supposedly being the key word.
This must be the most poorly written post in blogging history, but I’m tired and cranky and stressed and anxious for The Amazing Race to start. Please dear god let Rob and Amber lose tonight.
And speaking of blogging, today brought my 50,000 visitor to this here site. Everyday I’m surprised that so many of you continue to read my blatherings because lately I’ve been questioning whether it’s time to put my blog to sleep.
Tonight my sister and I enjoyed dinner with our aunt at Cheebo. We’d never been there before but had heard great things about it and it was delish! [Ed. Note: I was really surprised, given the not-so-good user reviews on Citysearch.] The homemade potato chips were yummy, our entrees were great, and the warm molten chocolate cake thing was soooo good.
Of course, the best part of the night was getting a chance to catch up with my aunt–she and my uncle live in Houston so we don’t see each other very often. Fortunately, it looks like she’ll be staying in town for a couple more days so I’ll probably see her again at my cousin’s show Friday night. Yay!
Best Passover Dessert Recipe Ever: Matzo Brittle. I made this last year for the first time and it was a huge hit. Not one piece leftover.
Listen To: Crooked Fingers on KCRW tomorrow at 11 a.m.
Mazel Tov: To Pauly because his second book has been picked up by a publisher.
Pissed Off About: The asshole in the black SUV with a personalized license plate who almost rear-ended me then layed laid on his horn at Santa Monica and La Cienega because I had the nerve to, get this, stop at a red light.
Latest Guilty Pleasure: MTV’s new dating show, NEXT. Which, if I’m not mistaken (and according to my sister), employs a reader of my blog.
Most Annoying Phrase of the Day: Thirty isn’t old. You know, 40 is the new 30. And 30 is the new 20. Yeah, fuck off.
Friday night, my sister, aunt, and I caught up with my cousin before his show at the Knitting Factory. 
We had a quick bite to eat at Baja Fresh then went over to the venue and caught part of the opening band. I’d only been to the Alterknit Theatre at the Knitting Factory, but the main stage is really cool. Crooked Fingers was awesome and you could tell the crowd was enjoying every minute of it. At one point, one of the amps was giving the band trouble, so they moved down to the floor for a few songs. The crowd loved it!
When the show ended, we hung out as my cousin signed autographs and chatted with fans. It was quite strange yet very exciting to watch people ask Jason for his autograph. We have a rock star in the family now!
We then left the venue, and headed over to Swingers (sans my sister) for some late night early morning food. After dinner/breakfast, my aunt headed back to her hotel and my cousin and I back to my place. We finally got to sleep around 4:00 a.m. then woke up a few hours later to meet my aunt for breakfast. This lack of sleep thing made me realize I am in no way cut out to be a rock star, nevermind the fact that I have no musical talent whatsoever.
Saturday morning after breakfast, I took my cousin to meet up with the rest of the band and said goodbye. I got a manicure then came home for a very short nap before heading over to my sister’s place to meet up with my parents who were in town for my mom’s birthday. My aunt then joined us and we stuffed ourselves beyond silly at C & O in Marina Del Rey. Dinner was a ton of fun and delicious and I even made $100 when my mom dared me to eat a tomato (I hate tomatoes). After dinner, my parents and I went back to my place and fell asleep. We were all beat.
Sunday morning we woke up again to do what our family does best–eat. We had birthday brunch at The Ivy (nope, no celeb spotting) then saw Bark, a musical about dogs from a dog’s point of view. It was cute. After the show we went shoe shopping (now you know where I get it) and had dinner at Toast where we even thought to call ahead to have some cupcakes saved.
My parents are on their way back down to San Diego and I am going to enjoy my cupcake, do some laundry, then settle in for a good night’s sleep.
Tentative Jdate Guy–surprise surprise–cancelled our Wednesday date. We have now rescheduled and upgraded to a nighttime date a week from Saturday. Three strikes and he’s out. This is quite reminiscent of Broken Nose Guy. Remember him?
In other dating news, there’s rumor of a set-up care of my desperately-wanting-grandchildren-parents. Their friend wants to set me up with the son of her friends. He’s supposedly mid-thirties and an attorney. The problem? My parents’ friend has never met her friends’ son. The last time my parents tried to set me up with someone they never met, we had to generate rules for giving out my phone number. Then there was the time my coworker’s wife tried to set me up with the son of a couple they randomly met while out on a Saturday night.
And, believe it or not, there is another set-up in progress. He seems really nice and has a great outgoing message on his voicemail, but…there’s a always a but, isn’t there…although he is technically Jewish, he and I don’t agree on some major things. It’s a long story and I don’t want to get into it, so more details of this setup may or may not be shared. Hey, it’s my blog. I share what I want to share. I will tell you we’re going for coffee next week.
I’m putting my profile back up on Jdate. Perhaps I’ll use my tomato money to buy myself a subscription so I can share the funny emails with my readers.
In Passover news, if you like the original Coca-Cola (with sugar rather than corn syrup), now’s the time to pick some up. The bottles have yellow caps and are usually with the Passover foods. And, if you go to Ralphs, they’ll even bag your groceries in white and blue Happy Passover bags. Who knew?
In other Passover related stuff, check out Seda Club with 50 Cent (via Esther via Jewlicious).
And if you’re looking for another good Passover dessert, here’s a recipe for a flourless chocolate cake.
Some recent strange searches that landed people here:
What the hell are some of you smoking?
The Face Transformer–the Apeman and drunk are my favorites thus far. Don’t I make a pretty ape(wo)man?
I have nothing exciting to write about today. Not that past Thursday posts have been all that exciting either, but you know what I mean.
Help me out–have a favorite website? Did you see something quirky or funny that you want to share? Have a question? Or a nice Jewish boy for me? Comment it!
Okay, two minutes after I posted this, I found something interesting via The Yada Blog. Ever wonder whatever happened to Corey Haim? Then check him out now. Wow.
I’ve been tagged with a meme from Ari, even though she neglected to answer the one I tagged her with earlier this month. But whatever. Anyway, this meme states: Name five things that people with whom I generally associate think are really cool, but that leave me cold.
Okay, here we go:
I’ve tried, I really have. But I just don’t see what everyone loves about KCRW. I don’t get it. I’m sorry. Start sending the hate mail.
They’re silly. Just look at either of the Olsen twins. Why would anyone want to wear sunglasses the size of their head? Why? Why? Why?
You drive over the hill, all the while sitting in traffic, then wait in line for 10 minutes to pay $10 for parking. Then you try to maneuver your way to your destination through Hell Citywalk, pushing through tourists and gang-bangers, and all night being bombarded with a recorded message being blasted through the loudspeakers about a curfew for those under 18 years of age. When you finally arrive at the restaurant/movies/bowling alley, you then must wait three days for a table/film/lane. Someone please tell me how this is fun.
Yoga, I can understand. Hot and sweaty yoga, not so much.
Yes, I know you get taken out for a nice dinner [Ed. Note: Unless the guy is a creep and asks you for money to cover your half of the bill, not that I speak from experience or anything.] rather than just a beverage. However, what if the guy is a dud? Then you’ve wasted a few hours (not to mention a Saturday night) when you could have just met during the week one evening for a cocktail, and if things went well, move on to dinner or something else.
Like a good blogger, I will pass this meme to: Drew, Michael, Kristin, and Nanette.
I’m down in San Diego for Passover. Chag Sameach to my fellow Jews and have a great weekend to everyone. [Ed. Note: Just to clarify some things in the Superjux parents' household--I learned about the yellow Coca-Cola caps from my dad many years ago. Dad wanted me to let everyone know that, and also inform my readers that after Passover, the old recipe Coke goes on sale. That's when he stocks up, and you may want to as well.] Now go help the little kids find the afikoman.
Seder Leader: …Joseph became viceroy of Egypt. Does anyone know what a viceroy is?
My sister: It’s a nice hotel in LA.
Yes, I’m aware it’s been almost a year since we’ve last done this, but I’m pretty certain you remember the drill.
You ask a question. I provide the answer.
Post your questions in the comments or send them to me.
TJG: Just wanted to make sure we’re still on for Saturday.
Me: Sure are. What’s the plan?
TJG: Well, I don’t really know anything in Hollywood. Or any other part of the Valley except for where I live.
Me: Okay…
TJG: So I don’t know where to go.
Me: Well, what are we doing? [Ed. Note: Keep in mind, stupid me agreed to a Saturday night date.]
TJG: I was thinking drinks.
Me: Okay. What time?
TJG: How about around 7:00?
Me: (Drinks? At 7:00 on a Saturday?) Um, okay. Where?
TJG: Well, do you want me to come down to you? Or do you want to meet in Sherman Oaks? [Ed. Note: Sherman Oaks is about halfway between where we each live.] Or come up to where I live? I think there’s a fun place in Woodland Hills.
Me: (Annoyed) Your call. Why don’t you think about it and let me know what you decide.
TJG: Well, we should figure it out now.
Me: I just got into my friend’s neighborhood and I’m a little lost.
TJG: Okay, let’s talk Friday.
Me: Okay, bye.
TJG: Bye.
I don’t even want to go anymore, partly because I recently learned that a) he lives on his parent’s property (whatever that means) b) he doesn’t have a kitchen, so he eats at his parents’ house every night and c) he’s capable of annoying me and I haven’t even met him yet.
Do you think I should cancel or just go? And don’t say I should go just so you have a funny post to read on Sunday morning.
Dating: Tonight is the first of three potential set-up dates. We’re going for coffee. Details to follow, if warranted of course.
Also this weekend, I’m supposed to meet Tentative Jdate Guy and I’m not all that excited about it. See earlier post for why.
And in more dating news, I’ve been corresponding with a new guy on Jdate who seems totally cool and I’m really excited about. He’s recently divorced with an almost-two-year-old. I’ve never dated anyone with kids before, but who knows…
TV: Ohmygod I dislike Rob and Amber so much. Just lose already. Who do you think is going to win?
Saw: Floating over Century City yesterday around noon, the blimp my Little and I helped paint. That was so cool!
Ask Me, Ask Me, Ask Me: I promise the answers are coming, I’ve just been really busy this week!
Site of the Week: I don’t have one. Any suggestions?
You guys rock. Thanks so much for the feedback about Tentative Jdate Guy and all of the restaurant/bar suggestions. I am going to go on the date and will throw those places out there.
Speaking of a date, I just got home from my coffee date with Set-Up Guy #1. [Ed. Note: Thank you DI!] He was very nice and handsome and we had a good time. We went to Insomnia and talked for about two hours–it was nice. No love at first sight, but if he does ask me out again I would definitely go so I could get to know him better.
And in unrelated to dating news, my sister wants me to ask if anyone can recommend a place to eat at on Mother’s Day that allows dogs on the patio. Preferably in Hollywood/West Hollywood or Santa Monica.
A second date with Set-Up Guy is in the works. Cool, huh?
Next order of business, I spoke to the new Jdate guy (divorced w/child) on the phone for a few hours tonight. Great conversation. We’re meeting Thursday night for drinks and/or food and unlike Tentative Jdate Guy, he offered to drive out here (he’s an 818er) and said he’d look into places to go. I was hoping to offer up my fave–Cat and Fiddle–but he said he’d prefer somewhere with live music yet quiet enough to have a conversation without yelling. I’m stumped. Got any ideas? Think Hollywood-ish.
What is the worst movie you paid to see in the theater and did not walk out of? And whose idea was it to go see said movie? (mine: “Anchorman,” my friend Janna made me see it and I’ll never completely forgive her) (asked by Dan)
Young Einstein. I remember hating it so damn much. I can’t remember who I saw it with–JAB, was it you?
Do you prefer the Rolling Stones’ country or disco period? Why? (asked by Deadpan)
Honestly? None of the above. But I do love dancing to YMCA at Bar Mitzvahs and weddings.
Can we do an ASK HIL’S SISTER post? (asked by my sister)
Sure, why not. Let the submissions begin.
I’m not Jewish, unemployed, or a comic. Would you like to meet for drinks after work? (asked by Smoove D)
Sorry Smoove D, I’m sticking to Jew boys for now.
What made you decide to start blogging? (asked by annabel lee)
I started the blog basically as a way to force myself to write everyday. My job doesn’t allow for much creativity, so the blog provides an outlet for that.
you write a lot about dating; have any of your blog-readers ever asked you out? if not, then would you ever date someone who’s read your blog? (asked by nu.)
No, none of my readers have ever asked me out. Well, maybe Smoove D (see question 4). I’m not sure how I’d feel about dating someone who read my blog. I doubt I’d be able to be 100% honest when I was writing, mainly for fear of hurting someone’s feelings.
However, on a related topic, I did go out for dinner last year with someone I dated a few times prior to starting this blog and who is a regular reader of it.
And, I was introduced to Set-Up Guy by a reader of this blog whom I have yet to meet. I know, a little strange. Set-Up Guy knows of the blog, but doesn’t know the address.
Remember when I provided you with my top 10 hints it’s a bad date, back in March? Well, here’s 10 new ones for April, care of Tentative Jdate Guy:
Yep, I’m pretty sure he’ll call. Because he’s the kind that will.
Someone please help me out of this dating hell.
