What!?!

Went to Utah to visit the family this past weekend and all was going just peachy until I woke up on Monday morning to this!!!

Utah weather is CRAZY!

Spring is slowly Springing

I love and adore spring (minus the allergies). Finally New York City is awakening. The trees are coming to life with gorgeous blooms. As I ride around in a cab I just want to start singing "Popcorn Popping". Here are some pics of the spring that is slowly springing. Now all that awaits is the tulips. Better believe I'll take pictures of those too.

N.K.O.T.B. - Yeah!

A couple months ago my buddy Yoga Master sent me an email about the newly created/updated New Kids on the Block website.  I couldn't believe that there was a possibility that Jordan, Donnie, Jonathan, Danny & Joey might once again bring joy to their legion of now 30 something fans.  

I was even more excited when I heard they were coming to the Today Show on NBC this Friday.  I work in the building across the street from the Today Show Studio so I thought maybe I could take a quick "break" to see the men of N.K.O.T.B. but then remembered that I will be out of town on Friday!  The one time I would join the annoying crowds outside my office building and I'm out of town.  Oh well I can always dream about the reunion of 'N Sync.  

Can't wait to see what the big announcement is from the New Kids on the Block!

Birthday Bonanza

I want to wish a very happy birthday to the following family & friends:

Greatest Grandpa - March 24th
Liver - March 29th
Heather - March 30th
Kenny-kins - April 2nd
Heidi H. - April 3rd
Genny E. - April 4th

Three of the six hit the big 30th...so I hope you each celebrated heartily!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Goodbye to Heels

The injury that just keeps on giving...now I can't wear heels for months. I love wearing heels especially at Church. My closet is bursting with nice heels that now will get no love because I couldn't walk down some stairs.

My wallet is going to feel some pain instead because I need to augment my flats collection.  Here is my first purchase to try and make my feet feel pretty without the addition of some height.  Of course the shoe is encased in black patent leather.   I wouldn't be me if I didn't choose a new shoe in patent leather.

I hope that my feet, especially my left foot will be ready to wear these nice shoes without the added benefit of two silver crutches blocking the eye line to the shoes.

I'm hoping that the shoe companies make some pretty new flats because I just became their newest customer.  And all know that I love to buy shoes. 

Happy May 22nd!

Netter brought me glad tidings of great joy yesterday...So You Think You Can Dance is back on the Fox air on Thursday May 22nd.  This is seriously the show that gets me through the summer.  I'm so excited to see the goodness of dance return to glory.  Enough of these stupid shows like You Mama Don't Dance, Step It Up and Dance, etc.  It is all about So You Think You Can Dance!

This is one of my favorite routines from last year.  I'm sure the dance caliber will be just as good this year.  Happy May 22nd to me!

Back in the Saddle

I did it...seven whole hours at work today!  It was fantastic!  I'm sure there were co-workers who thought I was completely ridiculous because of my giddy attitude about being back at my glorious cubicle.  Not even a leak under the kitchen sink could diminish my joy at being at work.  

Let's just hope that the leg and ankle can sustain the thought of working full days for the next week.  Definitely crossing my fingers.

Injury Update for Joani

My Joani has been worried about the prognosis of my ankle after the cast removal.  I don't know if I have been painting an accurate picture of the level of bruising, swelling, discomfort and overall pressure...so I have opted to post some pictures for my Joani to see with her own beautiful brown eyes.

Please forgive me using my blog to post pictures of my foot but I don't know how well equipped Joani is with photo attachments via email.  I know you're trying my mommy!

Open the Polls

With the constant barrage of political news coverage that always contains some kind of "polling of the American People", I thought it would be a good idea to start my own polling straight from my little PinkyMcG blog.  

Please check out the weekly poll and cast your vote for some deep questions on the social, political, economic, religious, educational, philosophical, emotional...okay, who am I kidding, the questions will be all about me and what happens to pop into my mind at that particular moment.  Look to the left for your first opportunity to comment on things I seem to think require outside opinions.  

Enjoy and happy polling!  

Victory!

The DVD recorder did what it was purchased for.  BYU v UCLA is on DVDs set to be mailed to Big Lug.  I was paranoid that in the 4th Quarter the disk would spit out that I stopped the recording at the conclusion of the 3rd Quarter.  I figured two disks were better than none.  

Once I am sprung from my ankle prison I will mail the disks to Big Lug.  Maybe I'll go a little crazy and try for the TCU game that was played on Thursday, November 8th.  

BYU DVD Recording

This is a "public" apology to my brother Big Lug for my inability to come through with my promise to put BYU football games versus New Mexico, TCU, Utah and UCLA on a DVD for him.  Luckily I was able to come through on the Utah game but my DVD recording has been extremely temperamental on the New Mexico, TCU and UCLA games.  My DVD recorder and I had a stern conversation about it's inability to do the task it was purchased for.  Hopefully this will set it straight because RIGHT NOW I am trying to put the UCLA game on a DVD.  

Yes it is 6:00am on a Saturday morning and I'm attempting to record a football game that was played on December 22nd.  Better late than never.  Cross your fingers that DVD recorder does what it should.

This game ended with the coolest play.  Check it out below.  GO COUGARS!

A New Blogger

Welcome to the blogging world my brother.  Check out his entry.  

The Cast Is Off!

Hooray...the cast came off!  The saw took off that annoying, heavy and beautifully decorated cast. It has now been removed from my extremely atrophied leg.  It was not a pretty picture when the cast came tumbling down.  

As ecstatic as I am that I no longer have to deal with the surgical cast shower protector my jubilee has been dampened due to the fact that Mr. Ankle Doctor wants me to stay home for another week!  I want my life back and I don't know if I can enjoy my apartment much longer.  I'm tempted to pay a lot of money to move just for a change of scenery.

Day 33

It is now Day 33 of the injury.  I'm tired of being in my apartment, tired of not working at my office desk, annoyed by daytime television, slightly starved because it is hard to get food, irritated by the lack of good literature available, sad since my momma can't come take care of me, sick of the construction banging from across the street and overwhelmingly ready to get my life back.  The cold air and beginning blossoming of New York is my goal.  I want to soak it all in.  I especially want to go for a walk in the park, eat at a restaurant and possibly go a little crazy and see a movie in a movie theater.

Mr. Ankle Doctor better take off this cast and allow me to have my life back.  I don't know if I can stop the tears from flowing if he tells me more time is necessary for the "healing process".

A Happy Ending

Yeah, the beautiful doggy in the commercial has been adopted!  This sad story has a wonderful happy ending.  I'm so excited that Echo (the dog) is now in a loving home.  My heart is again filled with joy.  Now if only I could see my own doggy Macy, all things would be right in the world.

Why Pedigree why?

I generally don't cry at movies or television but I recently saw a commercial that brought tears to my eyes and down my cheeks.  That has never happened before.  Take a moment to watch the commercial and see if tears appear in your eyes.  Get ready with the Kleenex.

Injury Update 2.0

Today was supposed to be a good day.  Me and my doctor were going to have a nice chat then he was going to use whatever tool was necessary to cut off this cast from my left leg/ankle. Unfortunately that was not the case when I went to see Mr. Ankle Doctor.  He told me to "listen to my body" and my body was telling me that the ankle was still not happy with me.  It still hurts like a jackhammer pounding against the concrete.  But that is what chick flicks are for. Basically this means that for the next two weeks I have the chance to get through over 100 DVD's that are part of my movie collection.  I'm so looking forward to diving back into the great characters of Pacey Whitter, Sydney Bristow, Elizabeth Barrett, Captain Jack Sparrow, Oedipus Prime and Frodo Baggins.  

One evening about a week ago I was in severe pain and my Joani just happened to call that night.  I started crying fiercely and that was when the decision was made to bring a family member to the great NYC to take care of me.  I'm so incredibly grateful that my sister Moocher was able to fly out and take care of me for the past few days.  She is absolutely excellent at taking out my trash, buying groceries, doing my laundry @ the laundromat, making some fierce spaghetti, and overall keeping me company. Thanks Mooch!

Let's hope the good times continue to roll...

A New Hobby

Due to my injury imposed house arrest I have determined that I need a new hobby.  Daytime television doesn't cut it.  I'm almost to the point where I want to take my beautiful television ED and chuck it out the window from frustration.  

Today I determined that a new educational hobby is the best medicine for my irritation.  I bought myself a guitar.  I have wanted a guitar for so long because I can't have a piano in my apartment.  My creative juices always seem to flow freely through musical expression.  Without a piano to keep those juices flowing I am forced to find an alternative.  That alternative is an acoustic guitar.  So sometime this week my new Yamaha acoustic guitar will arrive and I will begin my guitar education.  Super duper excited!

Stomping in the Shower Concert

When I am upset my favorite way to release the tension and aggravation is to put on loud rock music and stomp around in the shower.  It also makes for crying to be less overt because I already have a wet face.  During my teen/college angst years the best rockers to stomp in the shower to were the power rockers of the mid-1990s.  Alanis Morrisette had the angry chic stuff down while Matchbox Twenty had the ultimate "I'm mad and need to release the aggression" song called Push.

It was beyond fantastic to hear that Matchbox Twenty was releasing a new album and going on tour.  The icing on the cake was that Alanis Morrisette was coming along for the ride.  I bought my ticket to MSG for the concert.  Only problem was the show took place last Thursday meaning I was still on crutches.  Not ideal for getting to the show or on my front row seat of section 206.  It was so difficult that I had to be wheelchaired out to the street.  The tragedy of it all was that I didn't get to hear Matchbox Twenty's Push because it was the final song of the encore and I had to leave before to meet my car.  It was purely tragic.  I did get some great shots of the bands.  So the test of my new camera came out brilliant but the pain wasn't worth it.

Injury Update

Friday was a momentous day.  I met a new doctor and paid another co-pay.  Woo hoo!  But the highlight was that now I get to sport a very attractive fiber glass cast that stretches from my knee to the base of my toes.  It is super hot!  The only problem is that it is heavier than the last cast so more muscle development in my legs, arms, back, etc. as I climb four flights of stairs each day.  Just what I need to do...tone up.

The Broken Ankle

Truly I don't know why I have lost the ability to walk without falling; but my clumsiness has struck again.  This past weekend I fell while visiting Claire in CT and obtained a hairline fracture and severe sprain of my left ankle.  Why oh why can't I walk down a stair without falling flat on my face?  At least now I have two sets of crutches for any other "emergency".

Some beauty shots of my broken ankle.  As a precaution...these pictures aren't pretty but my toes are.

Bring on the Falls

Having recently visited Niagara Falls with the family I am now most intrigued by waterfalls. This summer I will get to experience waterfalls like never before because the East River will have four man-made ones from July to October. New York is hoping to use this art installation as motivation for tourism to increase, a la "The Gates" from February 2005. You better believe I will be taking my fancy new camera to document the falling water to share with all of you.

Click here for more information on the upcoming falls.

Always Be

Jimmy Eat World recently released their latest single "Always Be"...love, love, love this song. Not sure how I feel about the video though. Watch it and tell me what you think.

Rude Awakening

Okay...so I'm aware that New York is constantly changing and I'm more than in favor of new fun places to see, eat, or experience joining the greatest city in the land; HOWEVER, apparently I'm not okay with something new when it occurs outside my apartment. That's when I get cranky.

Every morning for the last week or two I have been unpleasantly awoken but the loudest banging, clanging noise ever. It is somewhat shocking that I wake up because I'm a deep sleeper, my bedroom door is always closed and the banging comes from construction located across the street!

This rude awakening by the always pleasant construction men will continue until mid-2009. At the conclusion of the construction will stand a very large what New Yorkers refer to as a "luxury building" (i.e. elevators, doorman, gym & roof top access). So the biggest tragedy of all is that I get to deal with this building and all the noise necessary to complete it and don't have a snow ball's chance in you know where of being able to move into it and enjoy the doorman, elevator, laundry, gym & roof top access.

This is the part where you feel great sympathy for me and my plight. :)

Here's the proof. 

Blasted Ankle

On December 4th I fell crossing the street in front of my apartment.  It was the kind of fall where another person has to literally pick you up from the ground and then you grasp street light because your ankle can't hold your weight.  It was not a fun situation trying to climb my four flights of stairs after that incident.  My good friend Netter went with me to the ER for some doctoring and crutches.  I did my exercises, used the crutches and tried to pay more attention to where I was walking.

I give this background because tonight in the pouring rain I fell AGAIN on the same ankle.  It became swollen and painful all over again.  I'm annoyed because of the street holes in New York, the pounding rain and the fact that my ankle hurts like the devil.  There goes my big plans of partying all weekend long.  Gosh darn it!

My View

This is the view I get to see every night when I leave my office building.  How cool is that?

A Saturday in January

My life over the last month has been all about work.  I don't mind the work but I haven't really had a weekend to do something completely frivolous.  Today I got my day of frivolous and luckily I got the day with my friend Claire.  

This morning we had some great coffee cake for breakfast, watched some Gilmore Girls episodes, then hopped on a bus to go to Macy's in Herald Square for coat shopping.  I bought a new coat because my poor red coat has reached the end of its life.  The last straw came when I attracted paint to the bottom.  I needed a replacement because New York is cold.  Hence Anne Klein came to the rescue in the form of a black wool coat.

After Anne Klein we headed to Sam Ash music to try to achieve enough confidence to buy a guitar from really cool guitar people.  It still hasn't happened but I did venture into the store.  :)  After the attempt I dragged Claire to my office to check in on the contractors who were taking care of some punch list items.  Oh the good times I show my friends who visit me.  (hee hee)

The icing on the cake came when Claire and I ventured to Burger Heaven for some yummy goodness.  It was at this point that I realized I hadn't used my brand new camera that I LOVE LOVE LOVE.  Now through the magic of photo you are able to feel like you are with Claire and I as we stuff our faces.  (I ate the entire plate of sweet potatoe fries)

Our lovely Saturday ended with me purchasing a new DVD player and some female primping. We got manicures & pedicures before returning home for more Gilmore Girl episodes.  

Overall it was a truly delightful day to be out and about chillin' with a friend and not doing manual labor.  Hopefully tomorrow will be just as chill with time spent at Church and home napping.

VH1 Remembrance

I just relived my teenage years thanks to VH1 and their 100 Greatest Songs of the 90's.  The charters were songs that I remember vividly.  Where I was, who I was with and what I was doing clearly came back to me as I listened to the songs on that countdown.  It was truly amazing to go back in time and relive certain emotions and moments of my life.   The best part was I was doing it through music videos on VH1 on a Saturday night in January.  

I bought my Alanis Jagged Little Pill CD at the Best Buy off the 101 Freeway in Tempe, Arizona; the last dance at my senior prom was Live's "Lightning Crashes"; my boy band era began with 'Nsync's "Tearing Up My Heart"; I danced with my 8th grade crush Mike Requa to Mariah Carey's "Visions of Love" and I promised God I would never ever listen to Color Me Badd's "I Wanna Sex You Up."  

Sometimes it is good to remember your life and then realize where you are now.  It often shocks me that I am the age I am and doing the things that I do in my life.  I've traveled to Europe, got my own apartment in New York, bought furniture, and realized how utterly blessed I am that I am no longer a teenager.  But thank goodness I can remember the good times because of the wonderful people at VH1.

So what was the #1 Greatest Song of the 90's...any guesses?  Here's some options:

A)  U2 "One"

B) Sir Mix-A-Lot "Baby Got Back"

C) Backstreet Boys "I Want It That Way"

D) Nirvana "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

E) Britney Spears "Hit Me Baby One More Time"

Light at the Tunnel's End

My head is somewhat spinning right now. I am in charge of a 40 person office move this weekend. I have done an office move before but that was for only 4 people. Big, huge difference between 4 and 40 people. Right now I'm glad that this function is my only function...I don't have to put together computers, test phones, run A/V equipment, etc. Give me boxes, labels and tags and I can move stuff.

Since my life has been effectively consumed by the tasks of the move I haven't had really any time to enjoy "life" outside of work (except for Persuasion on Masterpiece Theater). I have desperately been searching for my light at the end of the tunnel. Last night I saw a glimmer beckoning from amidst the darkness of my responsiblity.

The men of Lifehouse are coming to Roseland Ballroom in April! Hooray! I needed something to get excited about in the near future since Hawaii is still months and months away. So my light at the tunnel's end is my Matchbox Twenty in February and Lifehouse in April. It's amazing that a good rock concert can take all the weight of work responsibility off my shoulders.

I'm glad I live in New York where the rockers come to play.

Jane Austen Collection

Thank you to those wonderful British people who support the work of Jane Austen.  Masterpiece Theater is running four new versions of Persuasion, Northhanger Abbey, Mansfield Park and finally, Sense & Sensibility.  

Gotta love the heroes and heroines developed by a woman who never married or left the country side of her birth.  She is very sincere and accurate in her interactions between the characters.  And she is funny.  

Bring on Northhanger, Mansfield, Sense & Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice and Emma.  This Sunday's first installment is the beginning of four months of joy.

My Time with T

In mid-December I attended my first ward activity with my new ward.  I'm so very grateful I did because I was able to see a wonderful friend from my Bath & Body and college days.  I was sitting with Dancing Queen & Netter when suddenly I spotted T walk into the gym with her sister Doctor Diane.  I shot out of my chair and literally ran towards her.  I have never been so excited to see someone since my brothers came home from their missions.  It was wonderful to hug my friend and reconnect with her.  I loved that it felt like we had never lost touch for years.  

I'm so grateful to be blessed with such wonderful friends both near and far.  It is a blessing I cherish and always will.  

Until the next time T and I see each other...

Happy New Year!

I'm a little late, but "Happy New Year"!  

Thus far my new year has been extremely hectic.  My office is moving in about a week and a half to Rockefeller Center.  Life has become consumed with boxes, drawers, trash bins, new flatware, setting up coffee & water machines, etc.  It is somewhat crazy all the things that need to be taken care of for this move to go smoothly.  

All I can say is that I will finally have a good night's sleep once I know everything has been put in its proper place and all computers, phones and files are correctly set up.

Cross your fingers that all goes according to plan.

Just Because

I wanted to post this picture from my attendance at the So You Think You Can Dance concert in September because my friends Em & Dancing Queen look beautiful and I have a slight tan from my hours watching tennis at the US Open. Generally I'm a pasty white girl so this is proof that my skin can obtain that coveted glow.

New York Fun Day 2007

The Sixth Annual New York Fun Day commenced with Brunch at Corner Cafe. After filling ourselves with yummy goodness we headed out into the wilds of tourist mecca New York to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells that make Christmas in New York such a destination location.

Our first stop was the Macy's windows. They were so cute with each window depicting a point of time for Santa's journey. It was shocking about how thin the crowds were. We were able to see all the windows with considerably less jostling, poking or pushing. It was great!

Netter & her sister "Floridian" in front of a Macy's window

The next stop on our NYFD adventure was to walk up towards Bryant Park where we take a moment to R&R and watch the ice skaters on the "Pond". Netter, Doc and Floridian spied a carousel and bee-lined it to the ticket booth to partake of its rotating goodness. The glee on their faces was a thing to behold.

After the carouseling was completed we made our way up Avenue of the Americas to snap some photos in front of the giant ornaments and Radio City. It is habitual that Doc, Netter and I pose in front of the red ornaments...so of course that had to happen again. Don't we look gorgeous? ;)


After taking a break for some sugar at Au Bon Pain we continued towards the Christmas mecca that is the Rockefeller Tree. It is always pandemonium and pain to make your way to the tree to snap a few photos; however, the good tourists remained away so that we could enjoy some space to immortalize ourselves with the tree from CT.

New York City Public Schools have been collecting pennies throughout the year for the charitable "Penny Harvest". This year all the pennies were displayed at Rock Center so of course we needed to get in on the fun but supporting the over $1 million dollars worth of pennies collected.
We ventured to the front of Rockefeller to enjoy the Saks Fifth Avenue Snowflake Light Show. It really is fun to watch the lights on the building going "blinkety, blink" in tune to Carol of the Bells. This location is also prime for taking pictures amonst the Rock Center Angels.

We grabbed some pizza at Bella Napoli and stopped for Doc's new addiction, Pinkberry prior to our final NYFD destination...Christmas Karaoke! Generally we attend the Pops concert at Carnegie but because of scheduling we needed an alternate ending and Netter in her infinite wisdom came up with Christmas Karaoke. It was awesome. We sang some holiday staples, 80s rock and new tunes. The time together in the little room with loud music and vocal stylings was the perfect ending to our 6th Annual New York Fun Day. I know that 2008's event will come before I know it.

Love of Live Music

I am fully addicted to the live music. The month of December has fed the madness. I was able to attend not one, not two, but three live musical events. The first of course was Jimmy Eat World in Florida. Great show and fun to be in warmth again.

The second was a spur of the moment ticket to Z100's Jingle Ball with Netter. She got some free tickets and there were some decent performers so I decided to tag along. By far my favorites were Avril Lavigne, Alicia Keys & One Republic. It was fun to let loose after a long week at work.


The third musical event has become my holiday tradition of attending the NY Pops Holiday Concert at Carnegie Hall. This year we even splurged for the $40 seats in the Dress Circle. Oh yeah! Netter & Dancing Queen came with me to enjoy the stylings of the Pops. Unlike past years there was some drama when a woman in the choir FAINTED during a song. Luckily she recovered and continued on. They did some fun arrangements led by conductor Doc Severinsen, in all of his red leather glory.


Living in New York has given me the chance to truly feed my musical cravings whether at a large venue (Madison Square Garden) or a small gathering at a bar downtown. I will continue to enjoy musical stylings throughout 2008 starting with Matchbox Twenty. Woo hoo!

An Adult Perspective

As a kid I looked forward to Christmas with immense anticipation and glee. As an adult the level of my excitement about Christmas hasn't changed but the motivation has. Instead of looking forward to the gifts I would find under the tree, as a 29 year old I now look forward to sleeping in until noon rather than opening presents. The shopping crowds at the mall used to be so fascinating, now the milling tourists just get on my nerves.

Thankfully the purpose for Christmas will remain eternally the same. I still love to read the Nativity Story and sing songs around the piano with the Moocher, Joani and the Hoodlums (collectively known as my brothers). Christmas will always be eagerly anticipated regardless of my favorite parts.

First Time in Florida

I have reached my goal of Silver Medallion status with Delta all because of a quick sojourn to Orlando, Florida the first weekend in December. I took the super early departure out of La Guardia to land in O-town before 11am. First stop off of the plane was to pick up my smokin' hot convertible from Dollar. Next stop was to get lost coming out of the airport parking lot and again trying to get out of the airport itself. Note to the Orlando government...better directions for out-of-towners would be greatly appreciated.

Being me, I had located the closest Target, Cheesecake Factory ("T.C.F.") and shopping mall. Lucky for me all three were within about a block of each other. Good planning Floridian government/retail people. :) After eating my scrumptious meal of salad, coke and bread at T.C.F. I headed into the mall and was completely bored within about 30 minutes. Luckily I was able to pick up Joani's Christmas gift.



Leaving the mall was surprisingly simple and my hotel was a short drive of about 10 miles. The shopping gods must have been on my side because there were outlets across the street from my Hilton. Of course I had to stop and enjoy their bounteous goodness. After shopping I headed to the hotel to clean myself up and get ready for the rock 'n roll stylings of Jimmy Eat World.

The House of Blues was located a short walk across the street and through Downtown Disney. I arrived at the venue at about 6:30pm which is quite early for me to arrive at a concert. The line was VERY long to get in so I decided to take advantage of the HOB "Pass the Line". So I headed into the restaurant bar to order a coke and some food which would allow me to skip ahead of the masses. This was a good idea but didn't allow me any time to actually eat the food I had purchased. Thankfully I made friends with the security guards so I had someone to shoot the breeze.


Once inside I pushed my way to the front of the stage where I became surrounded by Silverchair fanatics...not just fans...fanatics! Silverchair started promotely at 8pm and ended around 9pm. During this hour of noise three fights broke out where the band had to stop playing and security had to dive into the crowd. One fight was between two women. Come on! After waiting about 25 minutes my boys Jimmy hit the stage. By this time I had pushed my way even closer to the stage.

The band played a very similar set to the New York show. A few notable exemptions were Kill, For Me This is Heaven and the ENTIRE encore. The band played for an hour then the curtains closed and that was it. NO ENCORE! I was a very annoyed person as I walked back through Downtown Disney to my hotel. Luckily I was able to find a nice churro vendor to put my head and heart back at ease after the loss of an encore.

Overall the Florida experience was good. I wished the concert was longer and the food was better. The only way to determine if it was all worth it is if I am able to upgrade to first class at least once when flying next year.

Stay tuned...

A Spare Moment...

Work is kicking my trash lately not too mention the countless activities that occur during the Holiday Season aren't allowing for much time to sit back and review my life. I truly don't feel like I have a spare moment to post my deep thoughts and insights about life on this here blog. Okay, so I'm not that deep and when I get a chance the next posts on this blog will include my Florida trip review, calendar events of the Holiday Season, and the review of The Little Mermaid on Broadway!

'Tis the time to exercise patience my friends.

Red is the new Pink

A look in my closet shows that the pink has virtually disappeared from my wardrobe. It has been replaced by red. Lots and lots of red. In deference to the new dominant color scheme I have opted to make red my new pink until either the pink returns or another color becomes dominant.

**I don't count black as a color in my wardrobe otherwise my blog would look very solemn and depressing.**

Come On...

I succumbed to the after Thanksgiving shopping bonanza on Saturday. Dancing Queen and I "accidently" found ourselves in Banana Republic after a yummy brunch at Corner Cafe. I have been looking for a plain black cardigan sweater for quite some time and low and behold, the BR came through. I bought this very nice sweater for probably 300% above the cost to make said sweater.

On Sunday I wore it to Church, yesterday I had it on for all of an hour and then this morning I layerd it on to complete my ensemble. While talking to my receptionist this morning the third button fell off. I probably buttoned that button a total of ONCE since I bought the thing on Saturday.

It really irked me that I spent hard earned money to buy a sweater and it falls apart after the third wearing of more than an hour. I just don't get it. But I will continue to patronize that stupid store because frankly there is one on just about every corner of the Manhattan universe. At least I go into Banana knowing what I'm getting so my ability to complain about it later is drastically reduced.

Stupid button on stupid (but necessary) overpriced sweater! Errrr!

My Lists

'Tis the season to make lists.  Which is fabulous since I love lists or anything that causes me to plan something.  I'm currently working on the following lists:

• Christmas Cards
  
• Shopping List for family & friends
  
• Wish List for myself
  
• Places to visit for New York Fun Day
  
• Budget for the Holidays
  
• Dates & times of Christmas events

If you are a friend or family member please send me your wish lists for inspiration.  Otherwise there is every possibility you will receive a DVD movie from me.  

An Update...

The city is being filled with lights, trees, wreaths, music and overall holiday cheer. Almost everything that defines the Christmas season in New York is placed in its location for maximum photographic exposure. Some of the remaining components from my first holiday decor entry have been taken out of moth balls to hang in the air above 57th Street and 5th Avenue or to glisten along Avenue of the Americas.

Buildings throughout Manhattan also get into the holiday decorating spirit. My office building has yet to bring the 16 foot trees and greenery from the basement to the lobby. I love how festive and alive this city is during the holidays. As my first staying in New York Christmas approaches, I look forward to the ambiance and pagentry to only heighten.

Oh Sweet Jimmy

Jimmy rocked the house last Friday night. It was an overall great evening. Big Mike, Artiste and Claire met me at my office and we walked to Lasagna Restaurant on 2nd which was really enjoyable. Then took the lovely 57th Street crosstown bus to the venue. We randomly met some other Jimmy concert attendees heading over. The bus ride was also prime time for Big Mike to review the new tunes of Chase This Light.

I had never been to the venue before. It was a decent venue with good sound. We girls dropped off our purses and coats and headed into the crowds with two of the tallest men in the venue. We didn't endear ourselves to those standing behind. However, we were quite nice and moved towards the rear since three out of the four of us had a clear view over the shorter heads.

They played a great selection of songs from all of their albums. My highlights were Kill, Always Be, Carry You, 23 and Hear You Me. My all time favorite was performed as the first of the encore. They re-arranged their Your House song and it was fantastic! Take a moment to enjoy the goodness.



After the show Artiste risked bodily injury and illness to grab us a cab in the pouring rain. Thanks man! It was a great time had by all the Jimmy junkies. I can hardly wait to see them again in Florida.

And So It Begins...

...the 2007 Holiday Season has started! Walking around the city I have noticed that many decorations/events are starting to spring up.

The following is a current list of the Holiday preparations for 2007 in New York City:

• Today, the Rockefeller Tree arrived in the Plaza. Here is a slideshow of the tree's removal and arrival.
  
• The Macy's Herald Square windows will be unveiled on Sunday November 18th with the SantaLand beginning at the conclusion of the Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday the 22nd.
  
• Saks Fifth Avenue's Snowflake Show is primed and ready. The "Carol of the Bells" will run every two minutes each half hour.
  
• Skaters are already enjoying the rinks at Rockefeller, Bryant Park and Wollman.
  
• Radio City has their marquee tree with the domino falling soldiers
  
• Tickets have been purchased for the NY Pops Holiday Concert
  
  A couple of the remaining components to usher in the holiday season are the 57th Street Star and the 6th Avenue Ornaments. I'm sure I'll see those arriving in the next few weeks especially after Thanksgiving next Thursday.
  
  All of these components also mean that New York Fun Day is just around the corner! Hooray!

Silver Medallion

I love traveling to fun and foreign lands. This year I have made treks to Italy, California, Indiana and a couple of times to Utah. All of these trips have banked over 23,000 miles in my Delta SkyMiles bank. In order to get the perks of Delta flying you have to accumulate 25,000 Medallion miles. I'm only 1700 miles away from the perks of complimentary 1st class upgrades, 125% bonus miles and pre-boarding.

Are the perks worth planning a random trip to earn those ellusive 1700 miles? YES!

Based on the number of times I will be flying next year, it made sense to me to book a quick weekend trip to obtain those pesky last few miles to gain Silver Medallion status. Therefore...I'm heading to Florida for a weekend in December! As luck would have it I'm heading to Orlando where Jimmy Eat World just happens to be performing at the House of Blues. And the venue for their show happens to be across the street from a Cheesecake Factory. I don't think anything could have worked out more wonderfully.

The conclusion to this little dilemma is that I get Silver Medallion perks for all of 2008, will rock out (again) to Jimmy, eat some more yummy Cheesecake Factory grub and enjoy my first sojourn to Florida. Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to me!

Ready to Rock

Tonight is the Jimmy Eat World show at Terminal 5! I'm very excited especially because they are going to play a great mixture of old and new based on posted set lists. The rockers joining me are Artiste, Claire and Big Mike. It's great because both Artiste and Big Mike are tall which makes it easy to spot them in the crowd should we get separated.

Another reason why I love New York, great venues with great musicians.

Finally in Utah...

My Joani gave me some wonderful news last night. The Cheesecake Factory has opened a restaurant in Utah! It is actually located in Murray which is a prime location away from the two universities so hopefully it won't be too crowded when I stop by this weekend. Yeah, right! If there is a Cheesecake Factory then there is at least a half hour wait for the yummy goodness.

Santa Fe Salad & Strawberry Shortcake here I come!

Grief & Joy

My grandma passed away on Sunday. She was a kind, generous and sweet lady who I'm blessed to be named after. The phone call came to me while at the traditional "game night" with friends. It was a shock to hear the news. I'm sad. I will miss her.

The wonderful thing that I have in my life is the knowledge that I will see my grandma again someday. That is a precious gift that I wish I could give to everyone. I know that she is in a beautiful place with her husband. Happy and at peace.

I'm grateful to have been born into her family and will bear our name proudly for the rest of my life.

Chase This Light

I "heart" Jimmy Eat World. It isn't just because we share the same hometown roots but they are a great band with exceptional song writing. Their latest release is called Chase This Light and it debuted in the Top Ten of Billboard's Hot 200 Albums and was #1 on the Digital Albums Chart. Congrats Jimmy!

My favorite songs on Chase This Light are definitely: Always Be, Carry You, Here Is Gone and Feeling Lucky. I encourage all within the range of my blogging to pick up the new album and enjoy its fantastic music.

Lucky for me I will see the boys of Jimmy on November 9th at some venue in West Midtown. I'm sure it will be an amazing show and I will make sure to get there early to scope out the best sight and sound location. I am even willing to suffer through stupid opening acts to find that prime location. Oh, the sacrifices I make for my Jimmy.

Why New Yorkers, Why??

I've realized that I developed a "hard edge" since living in the big, bad city. I'm not all sugar and sweet. Things and people bother me more than in my previous West Coast life. Lately these pet peeves are being excaberated by my fellow New Yorkers.

Here are some of the top 'peeves' I'm dealing with on a daily basis:

Wearing wool coats and boots in 75 degree weather...hello...it's still hot people. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy your wool coats and pointy toe boots. Remember the months of January and February average a high temperature of 30 degrees!

Talking on your cell phone at the top of the subway steps; thereby BLOCKING the entrance...finish your stupid call along the side wall. There is no need to allow those who want to go into the depths of New York to overhear your frivilous conversation.

Placing your cart/basket full of groceries on the ground in a long line of food purchasers...then leaving your picks to continue your shopping without losing your place in the long line.

All SMOKERS, a little tip...just because you blow smoke away from yourself doesn't mean you're saving your lungs from cancer...instead you're endangering MY lungs.

Trying to pay for anything with a debit/credit card when the line clearly states it's a CASH ONLY register. Maybe they're all foreigners...but I tend to doubt it. Something about an impatient attitude that screams "New Yorker". (I should know.)

Apparently I'm on a roll with detailing my peeves towards my fellow New York City inhabitants. Overall, I think my biggest irritation is that people don't behave the way I think they should. Apparently, I'm the one who has to fix the situation by not being irritated. We'll see if I can make that work.

Anyone want to bet on my success in not being annoyed by others because they don't behave how I want?.....yeah, I thought not.