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
Roof
Looking in towards midtown from my roof
Friday, October 22, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
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
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! |
Sunday, October 3, 2010
"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.
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 |
Thursday, September 30, 2010
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)
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)
Monday, September 27, 2010
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!
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!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
"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
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. :) |
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)