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When I was in school, I had zip science aptitude. I remember studying the periodic chart in high school and the torture of trying to memorize it; like trigonometry, calculus and chemistry, it is something that I never use today. I took a course called “Energy” when I was in college to fulfill a science requirement. I went to class every day and drew pictures of nuclear reactors that I could not understand (though I drew them just like what was on the board), but I did write a killer 20-page paper about “Women on the Alaska Pipeline” that saved my grade.

I got home last night and waiting for me was a copy of the book FASHION LIVES by Fern Mallis. Fern, the award-winning creator of Fashion Week, interviewed designers and fashion journalists in a terrific discussion series at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. This book has transcripts of 19 interviews with legendary personalities such as Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Michael Kors and Bill Cunningham (the latter of whom shoots the great fashion reportage for the New York Times), giving readers inside access to the lives of these industry leaders. Fern does not talk about their collections, but rather taps into childhood inspirations, as well as advice on how to succeed in fashion. The interviews work because she did a lot of research on her subjects in advance!

On Sunday night, after a fun Easter Sunday dinner (and yes, I did buy the pre-dyed Easter eggs, which were a huge hit and ensured that I did not dye the kitchen table like I did in other years), we watched part one of the Sinatra documentary on HBO, "Sinatra: All or Nothing at All," followed by the first episode of the final season of "Mad Men." Monday night was part two of the Sinatra piece (I had not realized it was a two-parter until Sunday night when the show ended suddenly in 1954). I was very into the music both nights and, at one point, was mouthing the songs on the couch, complete with hard gestures. My husband turned and asked me a question. I told him, “Wait, I am doing my big finish of 'My Way.'" He laughed and, okay, it was humorous. I cannot sing, so it's better that I'm only mouthing the words.

The office is closing early today for the holiday weekend, giving the staff a few extra hours to celebrate Easter and/or Passover. We have consumed chocolate/caramel matzos that Nicole made this week. She also has whole wheat bran matzos on her desk. We are an office that loves to snack; last week, we were having a taste-off of Pipcorn (mini popcorn) in these flavors: rosemary, truffle and kettle.