Thankful for Thanksgiving!

As usual....wayyyy too long since I've written. Therefore the blog will be wayyy too long. In the couple weeks before Thanksgiving, there really wasn't all that much to write about....although I feel like I've been really busy. I guess a couple things of note. My sorority sister from my Delta Zeta days back at Southwest Texas (rather, the newly named Texas State), Renee, asked me a couple Sunday's ago to go to the Cowboys vs Giants game. She ended up with a spare ticket....and we've been trying to get together since we both moved here this fall....so she asked me. I of course jumped at the chance. I also met her nice friend  Macy, and my pledge sister Monica came as well. It was so nice to see and be around familiar faces, even thought it has been 10 years since we've hung out! The Cowboys wallopped (is that a word?) the Giants...so it was double the fun. Sure shut those Giants fans up.

Also, I've continued to go to the hog bar, Madhatters, for the Razorback games. I'm slowly but surely learning some names and meeting some folks. I even volunteered to be on their leadership committee thingy that plans events with other SEC schools and in general organizes the hog watching parties and tries to raise money for the university. Some might think it's a little odd for a non-graduate to do this, but you really don't understand until you're from a state with one major school that you live and die by. You're a razorback if you were raised in Arkansas, whether you went there or not. Woo Pig Sooie! Next week, Frank Broyles and the current athletic director will be here for the induction of Ronnie Caveness into the Collegiate Football Hall of Fame. Ronnie as well as Coach Broyles and the whole Arkansas contingent are coming to the Madhatter after the ceremony. Should be a great experience.

Last Tuesday I got a MUCH needed haircut. Yuck. It was so long and stringy and unhealthy. I used my voucher for a haircut that I got at the auction I went to recently. It was this hip place in Soho...and I feel so hip with my Soho haircut. Love it! Then, Mom and Dad and Sugar, Mike, and Caroline came into town. We had pizza and hung out a bit at my apartment. Wednesday I took S, M, and C to Ground Zero and Wall Street. Then the whole family met up for lunch at one of my favorite places....Mickey Mantles. I really don't know why it's so special to us except that Mom and Dad and I started going there years ago, and Dad was Mickey Mantles bat boy in the farm leagues in Kansas. It has good food and fun memorobilia and is on Central Park South. Well heck, sounds special enough to me! Then we walked through the park....at which point a group of asian tourists thought my precious niece was just so adorable that they snapped pics of her! (and they are right, she's just that adorable). Then we went to The Plaza for a drink....just to say we did it. We're cool like that. That night Mom and Dad and I got to babysit Caroline while Sugar and Mike went out to dinner. Everything went great except for bath time....but if a small meltdown is the worst thing that happened....then I think we did pretty good. Caroline is walking and is in to everything....she's so interested in what everyone's doing and just goes and goes. She also likes waving and saying "hi" to everyone. And I mean EVERYONE. Such a social butterfly. Thursday we watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from Sugar's hotel room. Their room was high above the parade, but a great view of the city and the parade from above. I went outside and watched the parade for about 45 minutes. No matter how old you are, the parade doesn't lose it's coolness. Then we went to The Palm for Thanksgiving dinner. My apartment is just too small to both cook that much and for 5 of us to eat and be comfortable. It was a great meal. Then we watched the idiot Cowboys lose a very winnable game against the Saints. Grr. Friday Sugar and Mom and I went to Chinatown after Sugar took Caroline to see Santa at Macys. Santa of course scared Caroline, so the pictures are epic. Anyway,....not many back rooms were available in Chinatown. Not sure if there was a recent raid or they were on vacation or what....but we got a few things. Then I took them to Handpulled Tasty Noodle for AUTHENTIC chinese noodles. Once again, it did not disappoint. SOOOO good. Friday night we all had dinner and had to say goodbye to Sugar, Mike, and Caroline. It was so nice of them to come up here for my first Thanksgiving. We missed them immediately. I could kiss Carolines little cheeks all day! Friday night I met my friend Meredith from Dallas...she was out with her brother and his girlfriend. It was so great seeing a familiar face. We had a blast catching up and it was a great little addition to my holiday week. Saturday I took the rents to the Madhatter for the Ark vs LSU game. What a great win by the hogs. The bar was packed and Mom and Dad really enjoyed seeing my home away from home and how many hog fans were there. The official count was 120. Sunday was a lazy day, then we went to Union Square Cafe for dinner. Fabulous as usual. Then yesterday we went to the Top of the Rock (top of Rockefeller Center). Great great view....I think better than top of the Empire State Building....because you can SEE the Empire St Bldg. We had lunch, saw the Rockefeller Center tree (unlit as the lighting was tonight), and then I made green bean casserole and turkey tetrazzini for dinner....because it's just not a holiday without those two staples. And boy was it good. Mom and Dad left today and now my apartment is lonely. Went to work for the first time today since last Tuesday afternoon. What a much needed brain break.

No time to be sad though....going to a concert tomorrow night with coworkers (Broken Bells). Thursday we are going to the world famous Sylvia's restaurant in Harlem which is always featured on the Food Network. Very excited about both those events. Sunday I start my bowling league. Next week we have our work holiday party and an SEC holiday party. Then my friend Leslie comes on Friday. There's much much more going on and more to look forward to in the coming months than I remember in a long time (home for Christmas, Dallas, Prince concert, Hawaii, Mardi Gras, Sugar Bowl?). And not to mention....I CLOSED ON MY HOUSE SO NO MORE MORTGAGE PAYMENT. That alone allows me to have such a more positive outlook and to be excited about things. Now if I could just get rid of my car. : )

I continue to get comments about my accent...and the more comments I get the more southern I get. Oh well, it remains a very fun novelty. It's supposed to rain cats and dogs tomorrow, so I better go figure out what I can wear with my rain boots that makes sense. Need to look nice for someone in town from London from our work. Then of course need to change for the concert. Yay!

Me and Shoog outside the Noodle place...in REAL chinatown

Hand pulling the Tasty Noodles

Dad and I at the hog bar

Caroline loved a picture of Maggie and I. Here she's kissing the picture of Maggie. Melts my heart.

Her new thing is to signal for a touchdown. I loved that she felt the need as we took pics with the Empire State Building. And more strangers commenting on her cuteness!

Yep, I'm the dork that had to have "that" picture made

Burrrr!

Not too much to report from last week. Friday after work I decided to stop into Nine West and Ann Taylor Loft on my way to the subway (how conveeeeeeenient). I found some brown riding boots at Nine West that I had to have, but alas, they didn't have my size. As I've mentioned, if you aren't wearing skinny jeans or tights with riding boots in this city, you might as well have "doofus" written across your forehead. Then of course I found a couple things in ATL to buy. Went and had dinner at Christina's, my favorite neighborhood italian restaurant, and went home. The dinner was ok...caesar salad was good as usual, but the pasta dish lacked great flavor. I steered away from my  normal chicken parmesian, because it's time to lose 5 pounds.

Saturday I woke up on a mission....find  those dang brown riding boots at a Nine West! Soho NW, nope....Madison Ave NW, nope, Rockefeller Center NW, nope....finally 5th Ave NW...cha-ching. Well, I had planned to have a nice brunch with myself at Benjamin's, my other neighborhood spot. But in hearing they had my boots, I got dressed and hopped in a cab....no time for slow weekend subway service. Got to the store and WHEW, they had the boots. Of course, I bought them (and on sale!). Then went to the NBA store and milled around....and then to Gap where I bought some slacks for work and some skinny jeans.

Saturday night I was to meet this couple at the hog bar that lives in Connecticut who I had met before at the hog bar. The game was at 7....we met around 5:15. I also had my coworker meet us as he lives, and I'm not kidding, less than a minute walk from the hog bar. A great time was had by all. I finally won a raffle....it's a sweet insulated razorback bag, and some coozies and things. And the hogs killing the gamecocks wasn't so bad either. Woo Pig Sooie!

Sunday I woke up early to get moving and go to the NYC Marathon. I also wanted to kill 2 birds and take some foliage pictures in Central Park.....and get there in time to see the mens and womens leaders go by as well. Well, I wanted to enter the park on the west side because I didn't think you could cross 5th Avenue while they were racing. I was wrong. Oh well. Weekend subways were slow and I finally make my way allll the way across town up to W 96th. I take some pics in the park and start hearing a helicopter getting closer and closer. I knew they were filming the marathon leaders. I started  jogging and made it to the front row on 5th Avenue not 1 minute before the womens leaders passed. The crowd was only 1 deep along 5th where I was. I made my way into the park and the crowds were very dense and loud. I saw so many neat things. Not neat was the lady who boo boo'ed on herself. I had seen internet photos of this phenomenon in the past and thought it was fake. Nope. Not so much. Can you imagine running 26.2 miles with stuff down the back of your legs? Enough about that. It was just so inspiring....the racers, young and old, handicapped and fit...and the great fans yelling and clapping. I'm fairly sure I'll make a tradition out of watching it. ANNOUNCEMENT: I THINK I WANT TO RUN IT. I know there's someone laughing right now. Ok, all of you. But there's just something to be said about training for something like that and accomplishing it. I normally do whatever I put my mind to. I don't know when I'll put my mind to it, but I think that's something I want to do one day.

Today it was very very cold and sleeted a little bit. Temps were in the low 40's, wind chills in mid 30's, and wind gusts at 40. YEEEEE-BAHHHHH as Dad would say. GOSH it was cold. Time for the hat, scarf, and gloves. I've had some combo of the 3 at different times in the last couple of weeks.....but the trifecta was needed today. Again, so much more brutal down where I work compared to midtown.

Talked to my friend Leslie tonight....she's going to come visit on her birthday in December! It's ALWAYS been her dream, as long as I've known her, to go to NYC on her birthday and see the tree lit up at Rockefeller Center. She's never been to NYC. I'm so excited to see her and show her around, and so excited FOR her! Yay!!

More things I've learned:
1. Some people here don't know the difference in hail and sleet. Huh?
2. Approximately 30% less people fit in the seats on the subway in the winter because everyone is so wide all bundled up. Additionally, less people fit standing due to the same  reason.
3. Everything is harder when you are older. I'm so old, I didn't even reap any benefits from gaining an hour. I still slept until the same time today. :(
4. The McRib is NOTHING to write home about....save yourself a few bucks.
5. Chips and Salsa aren't free at mexican restaurants  up here. LAME-O.
6. There's no such thing as an overweight marathon runner. Shocker.
7. Ask the restaurant if they are going to charge you for a second tea here. Free refills are hard to come by. Again, LAME-O.
8. I still haven't turned on my heater. It's now a challenge to see how long I can go before turning it on. Good thing I'm on the winter leg shaving schedule.
9. For the first time in my life, I may understand the need for those hideous, long, puffy coats. You know, the one your grandma owns/owned?


xoxo

p.s. I'm going to see Prince at Madison Square Garden in December. Woo-hooo!!!!
p.s.s. If my blog title is "Burrrr!" now....I wonder what it will be in a month or two??

I need a vacation from my vacation

So, my trip to the Notre Dame game in the Garden State was fun. I showed up at Penn Station to catch the train to the new Meadowlands Stadium around 9:00 last Saturday morning. The place was a zoo. Got on the train without a ticket, resigning myself to having to pay twice the fee for not having a ticket. In the end it worked out and I didn't have to. The stadium is slightly impressive on the outside. The inside isn't even that, and it's a logistical nightmare to get inside. Notre Dame layed an egg that day. It was fun attending with a bunch of ND grads, and fun to see both ND and Navy....but those people got robbed on that stadium.

The rest of last week I kept saying I would clean house, but something always got in the way. Like...TV, eating, or....TV. I needed to clean because my dear friend Andrea from Dallas was coming to visit beginning Thursday, and then her friend from Boston was joining us on Friday. My apartment is small enough, that I need help making it impressive....and it's definitely not impressive when it's dirty. Thursday night 2 hours before Andrea showed up, I started cleaning (LOL). I got done. All I needed was a deadline. I hate that about myself.

Andrea got here safe and sound and we grabbed a late bite to eat. The Friday we had alot on the agenda (yes, there was an agenda. I'm a "planner" like that). We got up and miraculously got out of the house just 30 minutes after the agenda said we should. : )  We went to ground zero, South Street Seaport (where an impromtu hotdog held us over for lunch), and then we arrived at Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodle. Andrea had seen it on the Food Network show that talks about the greatest ____ I've ever eaten. Guy Fieri said THPN was the best noodle shop ever. I CANNOT SAY I DISAGREE. It's a tiny tiny spot, with room for about 20 people to dine....right in the middle of Chinatown. You can see the man in the kitchen pulling the noodles and smacking them (loudly) on the marble countertop. We had pork dumplings and a noodle main dish that was alot like lo mein....with chicken, shrimp, and beef. Heavens to mergatroid.....that was some good food. Those dumplings are unforgettable. Mmmm, mmm, MMM!!

Then we went to buy fake things in Chinatown. I ended up with one purse and one scarf, and Andrea ended up with a few items. The cops are all over the place, so the normally covert operation was extra covert. Walkie talkies....doors behind doors....the whole 9 yards. The agenda then called for us to go to Soho, but we were spent and went home to rest up for our evening on Broadway.

We went to eat at a good spot called The Eatery. I had short rib with horseradish mashed potatoes. Very good...I'd go back....not out of this world though. THEN we went to the big event (or, it was supposed to be) of the weekend....La Cage Aux Folles with Kelsey Grammer on Broadway. I'd had this bad feeling the whole time about this show....both that Kelsey would have a night off, and that a bunch of cross dressing men dancing around the stage wouldn't be all that great. Well, I was right. No Kelsey, and we left at intermission. I've only done that one other time in allllll the times I've seen shows on Broadway. TERRIBLE. And sadly, Kelsey Grammer wouldn't have made it much better. AND there was hardly anyone there. There were 3 tiers....we were on middle tier, and it wasn't half full. You hardly ever see that. Just....terrible. Sad for Andrea and her obsession with Kelsey.

By Saturday, Andrea's friend Korynn was in town. We woke up and went to Shake Shack for lunch...which included a shared cheeseburger and chicago style hotdog...fries...and of course, a shake. I think the earth is moving with every step I take at this point. Then, to Central Park. The autumn colors were beautiful. I'm going to go back next weekend with my fancy camera....hopefully it won't be too late....as it's getting cold quick here. Then shopping on 5th Ave. We also hung out with Korynn's friend Emily who lives here. Then the 4 of us went to Union Square Cafe for dinner. I had polenta with wild mushrooms and a poached egg for an appetizer, and pork bolognese for my main dish. Soooo soo good...can't wait to take mom and dad there. 2 meals there this year, 4 huge thumbs up. Then....the goal of the night. Stay out until at LEAST 2 a.m. to suprise the girls with a really fun event. My friend John told me I should take my guests to PDT (Please Don't Tell). It's a speakeasy in the East Village....with a secret entry in a hog dog shop. They only take reservations, and only beginning at 3pm on the day of. On average I think it takes people around 75 calls to get through at 3:00pm....it took me 68 tries. They sell specialty hot dogs, which is Andrea's favorite food. Aside from the hot dogs, I really thought they would get a kick out of a speakeasy with a secret entrance. To get in, you go to the hot dog shop, and step inside a phone booth. You pick up the phone, and a secret door opens on the other side, and you enter PDT. Soooooo cool!!!! The look on their faces were priceless. Everyone had a great time, and the hot dogs were great. I had one with kimchi on it...Andrea's had fried mayo. Yes, fried mayo. So much fun.

Sunday we were lazy and finally went out to Soho....then dinner at Locanda Verde in Tribeca. Mom had heard Kelly Ripa talk about it on the show last week, so I got resies. Crab and jalapeno crostini, with beef, veal, and pork ravioli as my main. Very good....neat spot. Props to mom for the idea!

Today, Andrea left after we dined at my favorite neighborhood spot, Benjamins. It's nothing special, just good food. She enjoyed her salad, so it was another successful food experience.

All in all it was a great girls weekend. We walked alot (which, we needed to do after what we ate). We also didn't go bonkers with the shopping. I'm proud of us. Fun!

Hooray that now it's a 4 day week! House news: the sale is still moving along and I'm getting my repairwork done. Fingers still crossed but no celebrating yet.

Can't wait for my fam to visit for Thanksgiving. I'm just gonna go bonkers if I don't get my hands on my niece sometime soon.

Things I've learned:
1. High's in the 40's today. It's cold. This is gonna be an interesting winter for me. Good thing I'm growing another layer.
2. Abe Lincoln in daisy dukes is a funny Halloween costume.
3. Bed Bugs were the most seen Halloween costume. Good thing I didn't go that route.
4. There's so much to do and see (and eat) in this city, I feel like I'll never get to it all!
5. I'm officially good at navigating this city. "Oh, it's just a grid of numbers" you might say. Well, not in Chinatown, Tribeca, Soho, and Financial District. Plus, I'm counting my expertise of navigating the subway system and knowing which way to turn when I come up out of a subway. I didn't get us lost ONE time this weekend!
6. New record for earliest to see someone peeing on the street. This time, Andrea and I almost stepped in the river o urine. COME ON PEOPLE, you're in NYC....there's alot of bathrooms!!!
7. OK, actually, I couldn't find a bathroom on 5th Ave on Saturday and almost had an accident. Whatever....that guy we saw is still gross.
8. Central Park is the prettiest in the fall.
9. If you aren't wearing tights or skinny jeans with riding boots, and mostly all black, you might as well stay inside, as you'll look like you're from Mars otherwise.



Pretty yellow tree in Central Park





Plaza Hotel and pretty tree




ducks and colors



Finally, a night off

Again, there's far too much time in between blog posts! Let's start with food, of course!  The night of our industry conference (LSTA), several of us went to dinner at a place called Quality Meats. Random name, I know. It's a steak restaurant, and was decorated cool.....even meat hangers for lights. I had quite possibly the best clam chowder I've ever had. Now THATS saying alot. It is right up there with the Barking Crab and Legals, both in Boston. For my main course I shared a steak for two, and also had corn creme brulee, creamed spinach, and mushrooms. FanTABulous! The steak I could leave, the sides were great.

Friday I flew to Dallas. Christine was kind enough to pick me up at the airport. I got in around 8:30. First thing on the agenda, mexican food. We went and had a good dinner at Uncle Julios. Saturday, Stacey, Jason, and Lauren picked me up and we met Meredith and Amy and Josh at the Back 9 to watch the Razorbacks lose a heart breaker, and we watched other games and the Rangers game. Saturday night I had dinner at PF Changs with my friends Thomas and Jason. Sunday I borrowed Christines car and went to my house in Plano to check on things (but not before stopping at my beloved Abuelos). It hasn't gotten any easier to say goodbye to the house. Then I had dinner with Camie and stayed there. I was a nomad my whole trip. Monday I worked, ate lunch at Mi Cocina (for those of you keeping track, my 3rd mexican meal) then met my nerds (Justin, Sarah, Karissa, Byron, Keith, and Nigel) at Chuys. Unfortunately I couldn't eat any food due to the repercussions from the 3 mexican meals I'd already had. Tuesday I went to work again and then got to see my parents. They were nice enough to drive back from visiting the grand baby and stop in Dallas to pick up my last few belongings from my house.

I had a bad feeling when I left mom and dad on Tuesday night. Sure enough....I get off the plane Wednesday in NYC to find out some IDIOT ran into them head-on on I-40. I'm fairly sure the car is totalled, but thankfully THEY are ok. Soooo scary. Ugh. Then my coworker Chris was in town on Wednesday so we went to dinner at a Belgian place. It was pretty good.

Last night is a story in and of itself. One of our exec's where I work was nice enough to offer the women of the company tickets to a fundraiser for the US Women's Ski Jumping Team. There were 8 tickets so I jumped at the chance to go. It's the only sport, summer or winter Olympics, that allows men to compete and not women. Someone with authority in the IOC has actually said that women shouldn't jump for medical reasons....and that "their uterus's could fall out". How preposterous does my last statement sound!??! It sounds like a JOKE! I got to meet several of the jumpers, including the current world champion, Lindsey Van. Hello, women can do aerial jumping, but not normal jumping? ANYWAY....great event, great food (go figure I would enjoy the food!), great cause. I won 3 auctions. 2 silent and one where you hold up a number.....like in the movies. I got a haircut in Soho for $45, a gift for mom and dad for Christmas (can't say what it is), and a trip to an exotic location. More on that when I have specifics, but I'm STOKED to say the least. What I ended up bidding turns out to be a great deal.

Tomorrow I go to Notre Dame game at the Meadowlands in Jersey with Chris, who is a Notre Dame grad. Excited about that too.

Quick update on house....it's under contract and we've agreed on repair terms. Let's hope this happens and gets off my plate/shoulders/pocketbook/etc. Option period ends Monday.

A big thanks to all my friends this weekend....whether it was rides, lodgings, cars, entertainment, etc. In no particular order, Christine and Britt, Karen and Richard, Amy and Neil, Lauren and Josh, Stacey and Jason, Camie and Meredith, Thomas and Jason. No, the last 4 aren't couples, LOL.

Things I've learned

1. My visit was fun, but weird. It's like I never lived there...or don't belong there...or am a visitor...or something. Obviously I was a visitor, but I didn't think I would feel so distant so fast. Don't get me wrong, my friends felt like home....just geographically and stuff.
2. I'm evidently a renegade when it comes to my fall attire. Everyone is bundled up and I've only worn a coat once. I will admit though that I had the door open for 30 minutes just now and had to shut it. BRRRRRRR!!!!
3. Saw a guy peeing into a grate on the sidewalk at 7 tonight. A little early in the evening, no?
4. I've said this before, but golly it's like down on the water is a different season. Three words. Freezing wind tunnel.
5. It never gets easier to say goodbye to a house, no matter how many times you do it.
6. I so wish I could transport my friends up here whenever I want. Just so many things to experience that I wish I could experience with them.
7. My apartment isn't getting any bigger.
8. I may have become a delivery eater more quickly than I thought I would.
9. A true friend is someone with no ties to Arkansas, but they proudly call the hogs with you in a bar in Texas. Multiple times.

Talk to y'all soon. I'll end this with thanking the good lord that Caroline's heart murmur is nothing to worry about, that mom and dad aren't hurt, that I had a safe trip to Dallas and back, and for the bestest friends and family in the world!

xoxox

Lets Go Yankees! *clap, clap, clap clap clap*

Well, it's been too long since I've written. I can literally say I've been busy 9 of the last 10 nights. Maybe more, but I can't remember that far back. And no, I haven't made that many new friends.

Let's see....last Sunday, after I last wrote, I went to the Museum of Modern Art with a coworker and friend in town from Dallas. We saw many great works of art by Monet, Picasso, Warhol, Van Gogh....the list goes on and on.  I also saw a bale of hay, a bridge made of steel wool, and a metal pole, to name a few. Seriously, what makes the bale of hay in the MoMa any better than my bale of hay or your bale of hay? Hay-ll if I know. I'm just glad I got in for free....and kept my $20 bucks...thanks to my friend who has passes.

Monday I  went to dinner with several folks from work, some in town from Dallas. We went to Capital Grille. Had great oysters, lobster, and crab for starter (the chilled seafood platter, if you're wondering), and then Filet Oscar for dinner. I'll take Del Friscos, thankyouverymuch. It was cold. The sides were the bomb though (it's hard to screw up mac n cheese). Never the less, I'm thankful for a nice, FREE meal when I can get one.

Tuesday when I got back into the city from Hawthorne, I met the Dallas peeps for a slice of pizza at John's. John's is famous and has several locations in the city. I'll definitely be back. Good, normal pizza. Andrea recently asked what makes a pizza normal. Well, a vast majority of the pizza in Texas or Arkansas is "normal" to me. Not normal is what you get alot in New York....not New York style, but  more italian....with REAL buffalo mozzarella melted, with a less bold sauce. While not normal can be great, sometimes you just want normal. John's gave me normal. I also saw that there's now a Red Lobster in Times Square. I know, I know. Why would I ever ever eat at RL in NYC. There are days when all a girl wants is cheddar biscuits, salad with ranch, and Crab Alfredo. Now I know I can get it if I ever feel the urge. Now I just need a Lubys, Mi Cocina or Abuelos to pop up. : /

Wednesday I went out to watch the Yankee's take game 1 vs the Twins (YES!). Ended up at a place Lady GaGa had been to the week before. So random as it's just a normal bar/restaurant on 7th Ave. Guess we know how to pick'em.

Thursday went out with more peeps to watch the Yanks take game 2 vs the Twins....(BOOM-SHAKALAKA!). We were at a glorified lounge that is really just a sports bar. Lame-o scene.

Friday Hali drug me to Del Friscos to stalk Twins players (ugh.). But not before we had pizza with a couple other coworkers at a place by my apartment that I didn't know about. It's related to several other spots in town and is really good. Crispy crust and you can get a personal size. So glad I found it....I now have a neighborhood pizza spot!!! Mom and Dad will love it, too. Back to baseball player stalking...I was skeptical that we would see anyone, but alas, we saw the gigantic closer with the bad tattoo on his neck. Meh. THEN we run into some older men who are related to the organization....one of them being 3 time World Series champ and Twins outfielder, Dan Gladden. I told him I had alot of his baseball cards and it was a pleasure to meet him. Then he told me he played for the Arkansas Travelers at one time. Random.

Saturday I went to the hog bar, but could only stay for the first half of the game before running home and getting bundled up and heading down to the ferry to go to the Yankee game. The ferry is TOTALLY the way to go. It's $1 to reserve a spot, and the views of the city are great. AND you don't deal with the insane subway crowds. I need to do that during the day and get some good pictures sometime. Made it to the stadium. There it was, the brand new Yankee Stadium. I heard angels singing when I first laid eyes on it, I'm fairly sure. Or maybe it was the muffled sounds of people yelling at Hali in all of her Twins gear. The game was a great success if you were a Yankees fan. SWEEEEP. My seat was fabulous and a Yankee playoff crowd is truly a sight to behold. The Bleacher Creatures in right field are as crazy as any fans for any team that I've seen. So awesome. It was sold out, which was also neat to see. We ended up getting a car service home due to fear of mauling (did I mention Hali was head to toe in Twins gear?).

Sunday I squandered the day away catching up on TV shows, and finally cleaned house. All wasn't lost. I was looking through all of my menu's to see what to eat for dinner, and noticed a place I've been wanting to try had a Sunday night special. Soup or salad, choice of pasta, and dessert...$13.95. This is a decent deal in Dallas, but a STEAL in NY. Of course, I don't really NEED a 3 course meal on Sunday night, but I had to try it. Boy am I glad I did. I had matzo ball soup, Linguini with shrimp and garlic and wine sauce, and key lime pie. It was all fabulous. I have now found my Sunday night hangout! AND I took half home and made another meal out of it. AND I had another fantasy football win wrapped up. Great Sunday indeed!

Yesterday, alot of Dallas folk came in town for the big annual conference for the asset class we cover at work. We went to dinner at Le Colonial, a Vietnamese/Thai place. Not normally my first choice, but everything I had was delish. Spring rolls, shrimp in curry sauce, filet mignon in asian-y stuff, banana beignet dessert. Then we went to a rooftop bar and watched it storm. It even hailed. More crazy weather I didn't think I'd see in NY.

And tonight, here I sit, watching Biggest Loser and the Rangers (come on, Rangers!). I leave for Dallas on Friday (yay!), but we have our conference tomorrow and a couple things Thursday, so this is my chance to pack and get organized to leave Friday.

Karen told me today that my blog is like a food blog. Boy is she right and I proved it tonight. Oh well, it's like a hobby. Andrea and I always wanted too be food critics, so this is my chance maybe.

More things I've learned:
1. Some subway drivers just REALLY stink. Hello guy, there's like 1,000 people standing on the train, in each others personal space already....now ramming into each other because you can't smoothly brake or accelerate! Come on!
2. Yankee fans are probably the most fierce, loyal fans I've ever seen. That can be good, and that can be bad.
3. Evidently truck and cab drivers have an extra appendage....a steering wheel and horn attached to their hand.
4. If there's a homeless person that gets on a train and preaches your whole ride about why you should give them money, it's GUARANTEED that I'm in the same subway car as him/her.
5. I saw a newspaper advertisement that was a picture of bagels and it said "Judaism is more than just bagels". I don't think you could get away with something like that in the south. I found it alarming for some reason.
6. Never fails, if I call a restaurant order food and say I'm ordering for take-out, they ask my address and think I want delivery. Am I saying something wrong??
7. I learned I need to start writing my lessons down, as there's so many more and I forget!

xoxo



Statue of Liberty from Pier 11



Brooklyn

Brooklyn/Brooklyn Bridge



And the angels sang....



Crescent moon and pretty sky from terrace

Star Spangled Banner

Action Shot

Score!

Using a Swiffer for the Sweep



Game Over!



"Hey Lady GaGaaaa, gimme some change"

Since I've been under the weather, I haven't really been up to too too much. The last couple Friday's I had walked home from work, but I didn't want to make myself even more sick....so I took the normal subway route. I wanted to go to the book store to get a couple of books to start on (who AM I???)...so I did that, and took off to find a new place for dinner. There's a spot down the block that I know I need to try, but it was pretty packed, so I figured I'd go up 2nd Ave to see whats up that way. I normally spend my time on 3rd and futher west. Well, there was a whole buncha NOTHIN' going on. I finally made my way over to 3rd and kept walking. Got to the Grand Central area, and went over to Lexington. I walked up Lex for a while...past a couple hotels I used to stay at back in the day for work...Lex got tiresome....so then it was Madison. By this point I was at E 50th and Madison (I live at 34th)...and I STILL hadn't found a restaurant worth stopping in. You wouldn't think it would be that difficult in this town, but I guess it is (or maybe I'm picky). I walked another couple of blocks and got my Blackberry out to see how far I was from Central Park. Just 8 blocks and an Avenue. Then it was a personal challenge. Mind you, I had headed out in ballet flats for a new neighborhood restaurant...and there I was, 20 blocks and 3 Avenues later....with blisters rubbing. Well, I made it to the park and ate at an old favorite, Mickey Mantles. Had some fabulous mushroom ravioli, then rode the subway home. My feet were very happy to be home.

Yesterday I cleaned house. It's amazing how messy your house gets when you're sick. Cups, kleenex, empty pill packets, you name it. Washed my dishes, which was long overdue, etc etc. I showered and got dressed to meet Hali out for the OU/Texas game. Well, she was running late, so I decided to go ahead and head out and run some errands. Went to the Gap to buy a belt, as my cute AT Loft jeans with holes don't stay up. MAN was it nice having a belt. Went to AT Loft to take back a bunch of stuff I had bought and then re-bought on sale on the internet. All this time I'm hauling this tall box filled with an over the door shoe hanger that didn't fit my door that I needed to take back to Bed Bath and Beyond. Ugh. Hop on the subway at Grand Central and make the trek to BBB. I have been there using that route twice already, so why I didn't remember to get off on 6th instead of 8th Ave, I have no idea. Again, I'm dressed to be cute, not to walk around the city....so my dogs were BARKIN. Made it to BBB, returned hanger, and found a place to watch the game and wait for Hali. Met her at Spunto, which is a pizza place that's related to Posto, which is in my neighborhood, but I haven't tried it yet. There's always a long wait. OMG it was sooooo good. The crust was so thin and so crispy. And not like all this other NY pizza I've been eating with real slices of mozzarella on it. This was just good, NORMAL pizza. Definitely will be back. Then we went to see Wall Street 2 near Union Square. On our way, a homeless guy put his hand on his hip and called me Lady GaGa really gay-like and asked for some change. I was lookin' a little sassy, but I'm not sure I warranted a Lady GaGa comment...considering what most other girls out on a Saturday night are wearing. I'm not sure if I'm insulted or flattered.  Hmmm. Good movie....great views of the city in the movie. Took subway home.

Today I'm waiting on a coworker friend, Leah, to show up from Dallas. We are supposed to go to the Museum of Modern Art today. Had horrible coughing spells during the night so I'm pretty tired. But it's NFL day so I'm happy!!!!

More things I've learned:

1. Rain boots are the greatest invention EVER. Zappos, just to be nice, overnighted my boots to me so they DID come in time for the flooding on Friday. FABULOUSSSS
2. Mucinex is a miracle drug
3. Nobody cares about the Texas/OU game up here....unless you are from Texas or Oklahoma. (this secretly gives me joy. ok, maybe not so secretly).
4. You can take dogs EVERYWHERE in this town. Just yesterday I saw two french bulldogs in Gap, a mastiff at a restaurant, and a full sized dog laying in a shopping cart in Bed Bath and Beyond. Makes you think twice about those goods you bring home from the store that were in your buggy.
5. It's like it's mandatory for each tourist to have a labotomy before they step foot on the island. Please, please tourists....quit walking and STOPPING suddenly...especially after you cross the street and there's a gaggle of people trying to cross behind you!!!
6. It costs $13 dollars to go to the movies here, andd $19 for two medium drinks and a medium popcorn. Calgon, take me away!!!!
7. I finally figured out what the random drops of liquid are that hit me on the face or arms as I'm walking along on the sidewalk. It's condensation from window AC units. Whew. I don't know what I thought it was, but it is never a pleasant feeling.

Forgot this photo with my other apt pics last week

My new rainboots. Stylin' and Profilin'!!

My favorite hotel, The Plaza....at the end of my unplanned trip to Central Park

Bluh

Well, I have some sort of illness. I was hoping it was just a cold, but considering what I'm coughing up....it probably isn't. I know I should go to the doctor....maybe I will tomorrow afternoon if there's no improvement (what doctor, I don't know). Kept thinking it wouldn't get so bad....but it is. Of course this weekend is supposed to be 65 and sunny both days....which if you ask me, is about as perfect as weather can get. I've been SO careful too....every single time I ride the subway, I immediately put antibacterial gel on my hands when I know I'm done touching the poles. I guess you can't prevent breathing infested air, though.

Other than that, there really isn't much more going on. I had planned on having a "virtual happy hour"  tonight with Mandy, Stacey, and Lauren. They were going to take a laptop to a bar and set me on the table via Skype. I was really looking forward to that, but just not up for it. Hopefully we can make it work next week. That should be alot of fun.

Ordered rain boots yesterday and can't WAIT for them to get here. Don't need to be spending money right now, but they are really going to come in handy and would have come in handy already. I ordered gray ones and they are gonna be totally cute. Yay! I see so many people wearing them. Shout out to McConnell for tellling me the right brand to get. : )

Just ordered tickets to the La Cage Folles musical for when Andrea comes to visit. She's obsessed with the show "Frasier" and therefore Kelsey Grammer, who stars in the show. It won a Tony for best revival this year, so it should be a good show.

TTFN (ta ta for now)

What did I say...no excuses??

Well, so much for working out. I haven't been since Wednesday. BUT, Thursday night and Friday night I was social, Saturday was the hog game (who coulda worked out after THAT), yesterday I finished my apartment, and tonight it's pouring down rain. I seem to have no problem walking the exact same distance in the rain to go get dinner, though. There's an italian place I want to try around the corner (my rear is gonna turn into one big ole slab of noodle). And...who am I to turn down the Monday night special of $9 for any pasta??? Plus, I'm basking in the glory of a stellar fantasy football week and need to celebrate my high point win. It may be the only one of the season....

More things I've learned:

1. Those rain boots I need to order won't come soon enough
2. I've known this, but have been reminded what great joy I get out of buying things at Ann Taylor Loft....getting an email for a giant sale a couple days later....ordering the same things online for much cheaper and free shipping....and taking it all back. It's the little things in life.
3. I don't really fit in with all the prints I wear. Polka dots, paisleys, bright colors....I stick out like a sore thumb. Evidently I'm just supposed to wear solid, dark colors.
4. Speaking of....my bright pink Brighton travel umbrella with cherries on it is gonna have to go. See #3.
5. Free breakfast in my apartment building is so SWEET. I never knew I'd use it every day like this.
6. Depositing a check in an ATM machine is so fun!!! I've never done that until today.
7. I always thought it would be so great coming up here and not having to clock in and out like I did in Dallas (even though I'm salary). What I wouldn't give to have to do that again and have my 10 hours a week of work from home back!!!

Peace!

"Neighbor, HELPPPP!!!!"

So, after my last blog update, I went to dinner to try a place around the corner. I have officially found MY neighborhood restaurant. Fabulous caesar salad and some of the best chicken parmesian I've ever had. I sat outside and read while I ate, but it wasn't the most enjoyable of outdoor dining experiences. For some reason a helicopter kept circling, and then there were just sirens, like, constantly. Yes, I know it's New York, and yes, I know there's sirens and horns honking all the time, and yes, I know I live down the street from NYU Medical Center,....but this was just a bit ridiculous. Also, a storm came blowing in just as I was paying, so we had to run for cover as the umbrellas started blowing off. It was quite a lighting show as well.
I made the quick walk home and went out on my terrace to bring in the cushion from my lounge chair. It's weatherproof, but if I know it's about to rain, I try to bring it in. As I went outside, a big gust of wind came up and my terrace door slammed shut. "No problem", I think to myself...."my door has never fully cooperated since I've moved in...has trouble closing all the way, and it doesn't lock." I pick up my cushion and go to open the door...keyless and phoneless mind you....I pull and tug. Nothing. The door was locked. JUST MY LUCK. Remember the small part about the lighting storm?? And here I am on the 18th floor, surrounded by metal, with no roof over my head. Well, I knew my neighbor was home because his cat was roaming the hall when I came home (he let's it out to hang out....). I immediately start yelling "Neighborrrr!!! Help!!! Neighborrrrr!!!!" and banging on the divider between our terraces. Mind you, we've introduced ourselves and spoken on occassion, so I should know his name. Sadly, I've forgotten it. He comes running out immediately and asks whats wrong. I tell him I'm locked out and to call the doorman. He said "first, let me get you an umbrella"....and ran inside. He turned back and said, do you think you can climb over the divider? Well, the divider angles down toward the front of the wall (I guess for everyone's viewing pleasure), and then angles up and across towards the middle and back. He warned me not to try the front, as I could fall 18 stories and die. I tried the back but it was too tall. OK, that won't work, off he ran again for the umbrella. In the meantime I start trying to open my windows. Well, the windows open to the side, and just barely, so I'm not sure what I thought that would accomplish. I try the door again and again and it came flying open. By that time the doorman was at my front door to help. Literally, this could only happen to me. I feel like my life is one big dramedy the last few months. Alas, I got in my house just in time before the rains came. What a mess.

Thursday I went out to eat with some coworkers and their old coworkers. We went to Wonjo (I think), in K-Town (Korea Town). It was at like....32nd and 6th. It was my first time to eat Korean food and I warned my coworker ordering for us to please not be very crazy with the orders. Thankfully she stuck to vegetables, generic seafood, chicken, pork, and beef. I actually really liked it! Who knew cabbage and radishes could taste so good. I also enjoyed the noodle dish and the fried dumplings.

Friday I had lunch at a Mexican restaurant on Stone Street by work. I have been complaining to anyone that will listen about my craving for mexican. I had a big ole burrito. It wasn't Texas (or even Arkansas) mexican, but I'll take it. Annoyingly, you had to pay for chips and salsa and the burrito didn't come with rice and beans....but at least they were inside the burrito. I walked home again with my coworker who lives in my neighborhood that night. We stopped off at South Street Seaport to scope out places to have a work function. It brought back alot of memories of visiting with my parents when I was growing up. Then we made our way up 3rd Avenue and ended up stopping at another mexican joint called La Palapa. I had seen a La Palapa on the other side of town last week, and had this feeling it may be good. We were on the hunt for a Venezuelan place, but the line was out the door....hence the trip to La Palapa. We had chips and salsa and guac (again, you had to pay for the chips and salsa....and for a second meal in a row the "salsa" was "pico de gallo"). Weirdo yankees. Anyway, we also had queso fondido with chorizo and tortillas. MMMm MMMM GOOD!!! I'll definitely be back to try some "real" food from there as well. Then of course we had to get dessert, so I had my first ever Pinkberry. I must admit, I now see what all the fuss is about. It's good AND low in calories. Another Mmmm Mmmm GOOD!

Of course Saturday was the hog game. I got to the hog bar ENTIRELY too early (1:30 for the 3:30 game). But hey, at least I had a seat. I read for alot of the time until the game started. Sidenote: I read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo the last couple weeks, and am now onto the sequel, The Girl Who Played with Fire. I'm not a big reader, but wowie zowie those books are good!!!! I'm hooked! Then I got seated by a girl and her two guy friends that were total queens. I was trying to place myself in such a way that I could meet new people...and those people end up next to me...then other weirdo friends of theirs showed up. A woman from Little Rock who lives up here and her husband ended up sitting at my table. They were alot of fun. The game made me sick. I don't want to talk about it. On my way home I stopped at a pizza place I've been wanting to try called Totino's. Wait, that's the frozen pizza rolls. Let me look at my Fodors. Tottono's. Oops. Haha, anyway...the pizza was really good...the caesar I could have lived without. The service wasn't worth writing home about though.

Today I've finally got my apartment all set up except for one last pile of clothes that I just need to buy hangers for. And to think of all the hangers I left at my house in Plano!!!!

Speaking of my house...it's still on the market. Had two lookers today, but no feedback yet. Car is still for sale also. Therefore, still need prayers. I'm going to have to resort to Ramen noodles if those two things don't sell soon. Ramen noodles probably cost like 2 bucks a pack here as opposed to 20 cents like they do back home. Pfft.

It's supposed to rain a few days this week, which reminds me, I better get off my blog and order some rain boots!!! Here are some pics of my new pad. I still need barstools and a rug in the living room....and to hang a few more pics....but it's getting there! Talk to you soon!!!

xxxooo

Notice the clothes and bags in every nook and cranny possible

don't worry, I also have shoes under my bed, in the closet, and if you'll notice, behind the door

Ghetto door prop



On the top right of this pic is the Empire State Building



In the very back of this pic, you can see my office building....it's to the left of the pointy building in the far back. it's like it haunts me from my apartment. :)

Getting Settled

Well, not much has gone on since my last post. Several people are out of the office this week so it's been pretty quiet on the work front. Monday there was a fire underneath the train bridge over the Harlem River....which is used for all commuter trains going in and out of Grand Central. I take such a train to Hawthorne every Tuesday and Thursday. At first they thought the trains would be stopped for quite a while, but by later that evening they were running with delays. Glad it wasn't on a day we were up there. Also on Monday, 2 Chinook helicopters and 2 Marine One helicopters showed up at the heliport that's across the street from my building at work. Boy howdy, you can hear those suckers coming. They were sooooo impressive. Evidently, anytime el Presidente comes to town, they do a "dry run". They tell me that normally there's alot of snipers out and a limo on the tarmac waiting....but this time there wasn't, so that's how we new it was a dress rehearsal. He showed up today, but unfortunately I was in Greenwich, Connecticut, so I didn't get to witness his arrival. He's in town tomorrow at the UN again, but I'm not sure if he'll leave tomorrow or not. Probably so, in which case, I'll miss him again since I'll be in Hawthorne. Oh well, there will be a next time. Not matter if you like the President or not, always neat to catch a glimpse and see a scene like that.

Greenwich is about a 50 minute train ride out of Grand Central. I have had a hankerin' for a Juniors kosher pickle since I moved here, so I got to the station in time for a Juniors iced tea and pickle (two for just 38 cents!!! now THATS a deal!). We hopped on the train and off we went. Had the client meetings.....then came back to the city. There were alot of people getting on the train at each stop both going and coming back. You have to wonder what they are all doing. Anyway, Greenwich is known for being very posh. Alot of hedge fund founders and the like live out there. The "downtown" was very quaint....but it had a real Ralph Lauren store, Tiffanys, Tory Burch, etc. For $16 round trip, I can't help but to think that would be a fun side trip in the fall to see the leaves....or maybe further into CT a bit. I just love going new places.

Tonight I worked out for the first time since I got here. This isn't all too suprising since I haven't worked out for MONTHS before that. I meant to count the steps to the gym, but it's half a block away.  Seriously, NO EXCUSE. And with our work discount it's only $25 a month. Again, NO EXCUSE. I'm sure I'll be very very sore tomorrow,....but this needs to be the beginning of a lifestyle. TV shows don't start until 8pm here, so I see no reason why several nights a week (and before college football and NFL on the weekends), I shouldn't go sweat for 45 minutes or so.  In Plano at Lifetime Fitness I kinda felt like I was at the Ritz....here at the New York Sports Club, I feel like I'm at Motel 6. But with my new frame of mind regarding finances, it makes me wonder why I paid for the Ritz in Plano. A treadmill is a treadmill is a treadmill, and a dumbell is a dumbell is a dumbell. Some of you may wonder if I'm losing my zeal for some of the finer things in life. I can assure you, I'm not. I'm just still being "cognizant" of my expenditures. hehehe

I think I'll head out to a restaurant down the block called Christina's tonight. Mom and Dad discovered it, but didn't eat there. I've been wanting both italian and mexican, so I'll get my italian urges taken care of. Still not understanding why it's so hard to find good mexican!!!

Attached are a few pics taken with my phone. One is the McDonalds in the "real" Chinatown. Looks like I took it in  Beijing, huh? The other is of Marine One out the window at the office. And the other is a very poor pic...but I'm trying to show that on my avenue, I can see both the Empire State building and Chrysler building (ES on far left, C on far right). It's just really neat looking up every night and seeing both of those landmarks from my street.

More things I've learned:
1. Another reason the city smells like urine? Dogs go on the sidewalk as there's no grass. The also do the other on the sidwalk. Makes me think twice about putting my spare pair of shoes in my purse every day. : /
2. Speaking of dogs, there are sooooo many people with dogs and they are all just so adorable. Big dogs, small dogs, hairy dogs, bald dogs. Makes me miss Maggie.
3. There are ALOT of VERY short hispanic men in this town. And they all deliver food. It's like they have a monopoly on the delivery business.
4. Have I mentioned I evidentally have a "twang"? We weren't in the clients office for THIRTY SECONDS before I got my first comment today. I guess everyone just takes me for a country bumpkin. Sad.
5. I have more but I've forgotten. Next time....

xoxo

I'm Here!!

Hi everyone, welcome to my Blog. I've had some funny things happen to me since I moved here, and I thought what better way to keep everyone apprised of my great adventure than to create a blog. I greatly enjoy reading the blogs of my friends with kids, so why not create a blog for my friends with kids to read....HA! Plus, people get annoyed with frequent Facebook posts....and I don't twit or tweet or whatever it is. So what have I been up to?

I left Dallas on August 31st, but let's go back a little bit before that. Between trying to sell my house and car (that "adventure" is worth it's own blog), getting packed, wrapping up things at work, and just the emotions of leaving....I was a big ole mess for the last month in Dallas. I had several goodbye parties that my wonderful friends attended and helped plan (thanks Mandy and Camie!), and then there were other small get togethers with my friends to say goodbye. I have always known that I have great friends, but having to pack up and leave my hometown of 8 years left me with more than I could handle, and I could NOT have done it without my friends and family, and they continue to help me even when I'm gone. In no particular order: Karen has come to my house multiple times to either bring me boxes, or take belongings off my hands that didn't get packed....so that she could somehow get them back home to Fort Smith for me (thanks to Mrs. Bracken also), Christine helped me pack, brought me meals and an inflatable bed and pillows, and took my modem back for me, Lauren and Josh arranged for and helped me get attic fans installed, Lauren also helped me pack, Mandy let me stay at her house and helped me pack, Stacey helped me pack, Nigel is graciously keeping my car in his spare garage as I try to sell it, Byron and Kevin helped me get my cable boxes sent back, Byron and Karissa made an inconvenient drive to give me a ride when I left my car for good, Gary went to my house to collect money and open the door for the guy that bought my fridge, Meredith sent me with a great care package, and my neighbors Dan and Katie come to my rescue in a variety of ways. And of course there's Mom and Dad who helped pack and came up here to help me get settled....and give me support in a way that only parents can. I'm sure I'm leaving someone or something out. I just wanted to give a shout out to everyone....words truly cannot express how important all of you are to me and how thankful I am to have you in my life. Even your words of encouragement have been so important to me. *as I tear up writing this*

It was pretty much a miracle that both moving trucks came on time and showed up in Fort Smith and New York on time....and nothing was too terribly damaged....just a few scratches here and there. It was EXTREMELY stressful having to have the truck show up on time at my apartment, and trying to get the movers there at the same time (the truck didn't come with movers), all the while there isn't a loading dock or anywhere for the truck to sit while it was being unloaded. In the end it all worked out, the truck showed up 45 minutes early, the movers were right on time, we parked in a bus lane....and only one traffic cop came by and was nice enough to not give us trouble. After getting moved in, I showered and caught a cab up to my favorite restaurant in the universe, Le Bernardin. Somehow I was able to find my cookbook authored by the chef, Eric Ripert (of Top Chef hosting fame---although I knew of his fabulosity far before then), so that maybe he could sign it. I see him most every time we dine there. Anyway, dinner was with my co-worker Craig who was in town, as well as two guys who work for one of our vendors that we've come to know over the years. Dinner was absolutely fantastic....both the food and the company. The waiter took my cookbook and Eric signed it in the back, but I never saw him (surely he was there, right?). After I got home, another co-worker, Tom, came by with one of our clients that I've known for years. They helped to stock my bar, and Tom actually stayed around to help me put my bed together. My new Sleep Number bed was coming the next day....so I have no idea what I would have done without his help. Again, I have great friends!

The next day was my first day "in the office"....yet it wasn't in the office at all. We went to a teambuilding event in New Jersey at an exec's house. We rode a ferry that was a really nice boat with inside seating that felt like a big airplane, along with a concession that sells alcohol and food. What a way to go to and from work everyday. We got settled at the house and then some of us went to the beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Other than being in Maine, I'm not completely sure I've ever been to an Atlantic Ocean beach....which is very odd given my travels. Well, a hurricane was on it's way up the eastern seaboard so the surf was rough with some bad rip tides, so I didn't get in. But I was quite impressed with the beauty of New Jersey. We then went back to the house and had a fabulous lunch, and then we went on the river and boated and several of us wake boarded. I'm happy to report that I got up on my very first try wakeboarding. I've skiied alot in my day, but never wakeboarded. I was soooo sore for several days after. I'm old. : (

The next day I took off, and enjoyed the 4 day weekend over Labor Day. Well, I'm not so sure how much I enjoyed it, as I unpacked all day every day. I must say, the smartest thing I packed was my digital cable receiver, so that I could at least get some free channels until my cable could get installed the next Wednesday (ended up being 3 days after that...stupid Time Warner). The US Open entertained me while unpacking (and during breaks). I ate at a few places in my neighborhood, and I also made my first trip to the grocery store. The grocery store I used is half avenue and 2 blocks away. I also have a CVS literally 30 steps from my front door....don't think I haven't been there....oh....no less than 8 times already. Anywho, I was absolutely astounded at the prices at the grocery store. A pound of ground beef was 9 bucks, and a package of Oscar Meyer bacon was 8. And I'm not rounding, folks. Unfortunately I only used the bacon once and learned a lesson about being wasteful. Things just cost too much here to not eat what you buy. Therefore, I'm eating alot of leftovers also. I know there will come a time where I stop looking at the pricetags....but until I get a handle on just how expensive this city will be to live in....I am going to need to be a little chinchy. Or how about "cognizant". On Labor Day, my friend and co-worker Hali came by and I cooked some bratwursts out on the terrace and we scanned the newest gossip magazines. It was a beautiful day....as have 95% of the days been since I've been here. It's really nice to escape the heat of Texas.

My first day at work then was Tuesday after Labor Day. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have to travel to Hawthorne, NY, which is about an hour train ride north of the city. As a point of reference, I can tell you the Clinton's home is in Chappaqua, which is two train stops further than the Hawthorne stop. It takes me about 12 minutes to walk to Grand Central from my apartment. It's 8 blocks and about two avenues. The ride is then around 50 minutes....at which point a coworker picks us up and takes us to the office. We can dress casually there, and Friday's in the office in the city are casual, so it's nice to only have to dress up twice a week right now....especially since Dallas was casual and therefore my "business" wardrobe is lacking.

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, my commute to work is a 2.5 avenue and one block walk to the subway (6 minutes or so), where I ride the local train 3 stops, then switch at Union Square to the express (when I'm lucky, the express train is there at the same time so I don't have to wait...if not it's only a couple minutes until the next one). Then I get off at Bowling Green, which is down near Battery Park. It's then a 5 minute walk to the office. All in all, it normally takes 30 minutes on the dot to get there. Sounds long, but I'm always in motion....unlike sitting on the Dallas North Tollway at a standstill. My apartment building serves muffins, bagels, tea, and coffee on the weekday mornings, so I normally throw a half a muffin in my purse, and take some tea....and that's my FREE breakfast (yay!).

So that's my daily routine for now.....then Mom and Dad came on the 10th to help me get settled. We had a couple nice meals, but for the most part, stayed in my neighborhood and ran errands. Trips to NYC will definitely be cheaper for them since we can either eat here or explore less expensive neighborhood places. Since Dad's stoke, he doesn't have much stamina, so Mom bought him a scooter. That was delivered on the 11th. We had a couple user error experiences with it, but all in all I think it will end up being great for him not only when they visit here, but so they can travel other places as well. They have their passports and are wanting to travel....so now hopefully they can.

Speaking of the 11th....that morning we watched the 9-11 tribute...it was on all of the local channels. They have people read every single persons name that died that day, and put up their picture and hometown. Some of the people were family members of someone that died, and they make a personal statement. It was so difficult to watch. It also puts the mosque controversy into perspective. I'm not here to make political statements (at least right now ; )), but I can tell you that it's one thing to say the mosque shouldn't be there because that's the place of the greatest attack on America. It's quite another thing when you hear the family members talk about how that is the burial ground for those that died. So many people were never found after the attacks. They cannot bury their loved ones. They are buried there, at that site, for forever. Yes, those people that are for the mosque have a constitutional right to build there.....but I've certainly gained another perspective while being here. We got to see the spotlight tribute that they do every year. Right from my terrace they were right in front of us, shooting up into the heavens. I got alot of great pictures. I can't help but to think, most every time I'm on my terrace, what a view it must have been when the twin towers were still there. I digress.....

Mom and Dad left Wednesday after helping me hang pictures, organize, hang curtains, put together a dresser,...etc. Thursday early evening I was on a train coming into Grand Central when the terrible storms and tornadoes hit. I came back early to go to the Cake concert in Central Park with my co-worker (so happy to have found a couple coworkers that love concerts as much as I!!!). It drizzled for most off the show. The show was great....they sounded fabulous. I would love to see other shows there. Unfortunately they didn't play "Short Skirt, Long Jacket". Lame. I guess I can just listen to it on the overplayed Apple Ipod Nano commercials these days. Anyway, good times. Friday we walked clear from the office at the tip of the island, to my apartment on 34th. It's well over 34 blocks, as 1st doesn't start until after Houston. I do know it's about 3 miles. It was a very interesting walk indeed. You go right through the heart of Chinatown. Now, we're not talking the "will you take $40 for that fake Louis Vuitton purse that you're selling" Chinatown. This is REAL Chinatown. No tourists here. Even the street signs had chinese lettering. Way cool. Very neat part of town. Don't get me wrong though, I won't be moving there anytime soon. From there we went through the East Village, and then made our way thru Gramercy and up to my neighborhood, Murray Hill. I fail to see how people don't lose a few pounds here with all the walking....but I'm told you don't. We'll see. For instance, I walked 14 blocks round trip to the Hog bar and 10 blocks round trip to pick up dinner yesterday. For you math geniuses like myself, that's 24 blocks. What did I walk in Dallas....a couple blocks total a day?

So here I am today, finishing up this blog. Ahead of me I'm going to take all of my clothes out of the drawers and storage they are in, and completely put them all up again. At first my goal was to get everything out of boxes. Now I can't find anything! Therefore I need to re-organize. I feel like I keep saying this, but hopefully after this weekend I will feel completely free to start exploring with no chores in the back of my mind here at the apartment.

Here are some things I've learned along the way:

1. There really are asian ladies that say "andddddd" in between item orders when you order your food. Just like on Mad TV and "Dude, Where's My Car?". For real.
2. You can order your sandwich "pressed" here. You go to any deli and read the sandwich menu and it can either come as is, or pressed (like a Panini). Who knew? there's also something called a wedge that's just a big sandwich on a hoagie. I haven't been able to decipher what makes something a wedge or not.
3. Most places have minimum's to use a credit card....usually $10 or $15. There goes trying to use my Citi Aadvantage card for everything so I can get mucho airline points.
4. Amazing, but I am failing to find mexican restaurants anywhere near my apartment. NOT HAPPY about this!!!!
5. If an old man comes up to you on the street cursing at you, all up in your grill.....just keep walking.
6. I think there may be a link between homeless people and the pee smell. Yep, they must pee on themselves.
7. Philly Cheesesteaks with Cheez Whiz are the BEST. Forget provalone!
8. Plumbing in apartment buildings suck.
9. People that like listening to loud music and/or TV follow me from each apartment building I live in. ARGH.
10. There are ALOT of hog fans in this city!!
11. I evidentally have a "noticeable twang". Who knew??
12. Yes, this is the best city in the world for pizza....but at some point, you just want some good ole Dominoes/Pizza Hut/Papa Johns.
13. 99% of restaurants deliver. Alot of people get food delivered from restaurants that are literally half a block a way. See the comment about me being chinchy. I don't see myself being so lazy that I get delivery all the time and have to pay a couple bucks extra to tip. I reserve the right to chance this point of view when it's 2 degrees outside.
14. You always hear it's colder near the water. I once heard a guy from my office building (before I knew I'd ever work in that building...much less live in this city), say that down by our building, the cold and wind will cut right through you in the winter. Ya right, I thought. Even in the summer, there's an appreciable difference in the temperature between midtown and down by the water. I'm afraid he may be right. I'll let you know soon enough.
15. Pulled pork pizza isn't as good as it may seem on the surface.
16. You can't find a cab when it's raining. period.
17. If you happen to be at the wrong place a the wrong time, you may or may not have a lady come up to you and ask if toilet bowl cleaner will unclog her kitchen drain.
18. Don't wear khaki capris, a bright pink shirt, and Brighton flip flops to the East Village....unless you want to stick out like a sore thumb.
19. I might never get used to everything starting at 8pm on TV....and no news until 11pm. Terrible. Just terrible.
20. I knew this but alot of people don't. You are either a Jets/Mets fan, or a Yankees/Giants fan. You rarely find a mixture of the two.
21. When you buy milk, there are two expiration dates. One date, and then another if bought in the city, which is a closer date. Kinda makes you go hmmmmmm. Like, what are they doing to the poor quart of milk to get it into the store in the city? Letting it sit out for a day? Gross.

That's all I have for now....my future blogs won't be near as long....but there was alot to catch up on!!! Please say some prayers that I can get my house and car sold very soon. I've never had such financial stress....and it's not fun. Also, happy birthday yesterday to my sweet niece, Caroline!

I love and miss you all!
xoxoxoxo

My building is the tallest one....left middle of pic, with strip around the top.