An Ironing Moment

I washed about every single piece of bedding and realized that they come out of the dryer very, very wrinkled. My numerous white collared shirts were also washed last night. About every single bedding article and shirt needed to be ironed. Normally I don't mind ironing but tonight something different happened. Today...it happened...I became my momma for a small moment in time. I placed the ironing board in front of the television, set the chair behind the ironing board and prepared to iron for about an hour while watching television. In a moment I flashed back to coming home to Joani watching "her soaps" and ironing shirt after shirt after shirt.

I must say that the joy of the ironing went away for just a moment when I realized the gargantuan amounts of collared shirts I own. I'm sure it will come back tomorrow when I attempt to iron my full bed duvet cover. At least it was fun to pretend I was my momma for an ironing moment.

Where's the excitement?

Tomorrow is the big departure to Italy. It is hard to believe that February 15th has rolled around. This trip seemed to come really quickly. Here's my problem...right now, I'm not really excited about going. I'm sure once I arrive at the airport and see the plane that my excitement level will increase but right now this trip is stressing me out. There is just a ton of stuff to do before I leave. I know it will all get done but I'm also fighting an upper respiratory tract infection which is sapping my energy. Like my grandmother always advised - "make your list." I have made my list of tasks to do prior to leaving and that list unfortunately keeps growing.

I have to keep remembering all the fantastic art I will see, the gelato I will eat and the warm weather I will soak up. Here's hoping for all of my tasks to be completed and to remember to bring my passport.

The Connecticut Haircut

I needed a haircut. My beautiful strands had become overcome with split ends, uneven texture and bangs in the eyes. My good buddy Claire is my stylist of choice. She does an amazing job and generally allows me to pay her with food. When I realized the gravity of the hair situation I asked Claire how to do a "self-style". She gave me valuable advice but because of my hair vanity I opted to just patronize the local hair cutters at Hair Farfalle. Then brilliance struck when Claire and I determined that a quick day trip to Connecticut would mean I received a fantastic new do PLUS could hang out with Claire in suburbia for a day.

I took the train where Claire picked me up and we headed right to my favorite food joint in CT - Arbys. We grabbed some food and then headed back for the re-emergence of me from all my hair. After the cut was done it was time to get down to the business of shopping. We headed to the mall and then drove to Target. We got to Target at around 4:30pm and it was CLOSED! A Target closed in the middle of the day was a strange anamoly. Our curiousity prompted Claire to call Mrs. Employer to try and find details about the closure. We found out that the store was scheduled to re-open at around 6pm. To wait it out we went for dinner at Mr. & Mrs. Employer's restaurant "The Cookhouse". The food was fantastic. After dinner it was back to see if Target was open again and it was! After enjoying the Target walk-through we took our packages and headed back to repack and get me to the train station.

My time in Connecticut was a wonderful 11 hours long. The best thing was hanging out with Claire and getting my tresses back under control. Thank you Claire for a fun-filled day of beauty and spending money - my two favorite things.

Ingenius Laundering

Doing laundry can be a chore since I live on the 5th floor of a walk-up building. Normally I bring the heavy bottle container of my favorite Tide liquid laundry detergent down all the stairs and down the street to the laundromat. Last night was laundry night and I realized my huge amounts of laundry would not allow me to also carry the detergent container. I had to come up with a solution of how to pack and carry liquid. Being the enterprising New Yorker that I am, I found and used an empty water bottle. The bottle had grooves on it so I could "measure" each of the three sets of detergent necessary for cleaning all of my dirty clothes and sheets. I have proof now that living in New York City makes you smarter...or at least willing to think outside the box when confronted with laundering issues.

iPod Oblivion

Apparently a New York State Senator is trying to implement a $100 fine for pedestrians who are in "iPod oblivion". Personally, I look forward to being in the iPod zone but am always cognizant of possible physical harm that can befall me while walking the sidewalks of New York City. I hope the state legislature doesn't cave to the Senator's approach to keeping the city's resident safe.

My Heart Belongs to My Radiator

It is really cold in NYC right now. For the last week upon waking up I run to the computer to check just how cold it is. This morning it was -3 degrees Farenheit. That is when I realized that the love of my life is the radiator located in my living room. It gives me warmth to my soul and as I learned this evening - warmth to my feet. My toes were cold so I opted to put my socks on the radiator for about 20 minutes and when I put them back on my feet they were warm, toasty, and happy. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I couldn't live my life without my beautiful, precious, and heat generating radiator. Unfortunately it took me living through sub-zero weather to realize the love of my life.

The Dirty Look

On the train this morning two people who were sitting down got up and exited the train. Two women standing next to me immediately sat down in the empty seats. They were quite comfortable but each smaller than their predecessor which left some room on the seat. At the next station a woman manuevered her way to the empty space and smushed herself in the available space. I watched the woman seated next to the smusher give her the dirtiest look I have seen in a long time. For some strange reason the whole episode was a great way to start my day.

City Transport Skills

While living in Los Angeles I became quite good at looking ahead while driving on the city's highways. The best drivers acquired this skill because ultimately they had to plot out their route to get around the slowpokes in their way. Another key to decreasing traffic is to learn how to properly merge on and off major highways or roads. Someone who couldn't merge correctly would end up causing a lot of aggrevation to those impatiently waiting behind. These transportation skills were essential to get anywhere in a timely matter and avoid traffic pitfalls in the jungles of Los Angeles. Lately I've noticed that the same skills are necessary here in Manhattan, most just don't use metal cages on wheels with bad music blaring.

Here people jockey for position within the subway cars or buses. I know I'm very aware when my stop is coming so I can move closer to the doors in order to beat slower people up the stairs and out of the station. In the morning I get out at a very busy subway station. Inevitably there are close to 80 people who take my chosen exit and climb the three sets of stairs up and out. Typically I will use the skills I acquired on the LA roads to manuever myself closest to the exit by constantly merging into gaps left by slower folk. It could shave off an incredible 10 seconds from my commute time. And we all know time is money.

It was surprising to learn that transportation skills can be used regardless if you're in a car. I don't know why it came as an epiphany on my commute this morning, but I'm glad it did because it connects what I learned in LA with my present life in NYC. For some reason, that was comforting to know.

Falling from the Sky

When I walked out the door of my apartment building this morning I noticed something falling from the sky. It was white, fluffy and seemed to be floating down to the ground where it disintigrated into liquid. Finally I was able to remember what this falling stuff was once I reached the train station...it was snow. You must forgive my lapse in memory since it has been close to a year since I have seen the stuff in New York City.

New York is a beautiful place all the time but there is something about a light dusting of white on the sidewalks and snow flurries floating down that give the city a sense of calm and renewal. I was somewhat saddened that my trek from apartment to train is short because I was reveling in the city's snow beauty. I guess if I ever find myself saddened about missing snow I can always dredge up the memories of living through the #1 and #4 worst snowstorms in New York City history. If you combine the snowfalls of those two storms it would total 52.3" or over 4' of snow. Now that's a lot of snow!

The Love of my Momma

Joani came to see me for a brief amount of time on Sunday and Monday. She was on the east coast for my youngest cousin Emily's baptism. It was a blast to be with my momma for any amount of time. Being the great mommy that she is - she did not come empty handed. I mentioned while with the family for Christmas that I missed the Taffy cookies made by Mother's. She brought me the cookies because she loves me and probably wanted someone to share them with since my other siblings don't enjoy them much. We had a great time dunking our cookies while watching a couple of stellar flicks.

I also received my box of goodies from Christmas on Monday. It contained a pair of shoes, a cookbook, the game of Settlers, my grandfather's personal history, and two of the most gorgeous coat rack wall hanging thingeys made beautifully by my brother Coyote. It was with great pleasure that I nailed them to the wall and began to place my beautiful coats upon them.

I'm in love with Steve Jobs

The main man behind Apple, Mr. Steve Jobs, has again made my little heart a-flutter. He unveiled the wonderful features and stylishness of the iPhone. I am a little perturbed because Cingular is going to be the only cell provider to utilize the phone and I am stuck in a long contract with another vendor. Errr!

This beautiful phone has an iPod video ingrained, web access, widgets, texting and a 2 megapixel camera that can shift to either a portrait or landscape view based on an internal sensor.

Everyone is going to pay the big cost of $500 to own this new Apple electronic wizardry. It doesn't hurt that it just looks so pretty.

I am going to have to wait until my contract expires before I can own one which will probably make my wallet happy since the cost will inevitably decrease.

Way to go Steve! Again, a "job" well done!!!

It's Christmas

Blakers is the main reason why I went back to Joani's place for Christmas. I hadn't seen the little guy since my birthday at the end of July when he was about 2 months old. At the ripe age of 7 months Blakers had a bigger smile and budding personality. He and his parents picked me up from the airport and the first thing I did when I saw them was take him into my arms. From that moment on we spent as much time together as I possibly could. Moocher wasn't especially happy with me when I would refuse to give up Blakers to her. At least she gets to see him on a daily basis. Punkin and Sunshine have done an amazing job as parents of Blakers. He even dresses really well.

I had a great time with my family and friends during the Christmas holiday. It was fun to be in a car, pay for a matinee movie, enjoy chain restaurants, and play games, games and more games with my family. I look forward to doing it all again at Moocher's graduation in May.

New York Fun Day 2006

It was a bright and brillant Saturday for 2006's New York Fun Day. We enjoyed some brunch at Yura & Company then headed to the Macy's windows with a walk up 6th Avenue to see the ornaments and get up close and personal with some tall wooden men. We braved the crowds to enjoy the Saks snowflake light show and then saw the Rockefeller tree. Doc and I recreated our picture in front of the Swarovski Star. Then Jewel mentioned we enjoy some dinner at Vnyl which was highly enjoyable. Our Fun Day culminated in the New York Pops Holiday concert at Carnegie Hall. It was a great time all day with friends, food, and the joys of New York tourism.

Park Avenue Singing

Last Sunday I went with Netter and Claire to the Park Avenue Tree Lighting and Carol Singing. The Brick Church on 92nd street pipes out organ music and all the neighbors come out and sing and then the spruce trees along Park Avenue from 98th to 46th street are lit. It was a perfect evening and about 450-500 of my neighbors braved the cold and sang their hearts out to such traditionals as Joy to the World, Jingle Bells, and Away in a Manger. We had a great time and I will definitely be a participant next year.

Brrrrrrr!

Winter has arrived in New York with a vengence! With wind chill, our thermometer reads 9 degrees fahrenheit. That's blasted cold!

Every year I have to reacclimate myself to the wintery conditions of this city. It can sometimes be a painful and lengthy process. Today is the beginning of that ardudous experience.

Here's to hoping my radiator is on full blast when I get home tonight.

A Night with the Goos

One amazing thing about living in New York is the availability of seeing some amazing live shows at fantastic venues. This past Saturday night was a night I have waited a long time to enjoy. I spent the evening with Claire listening to the melodious rock anthems of the Goo Goo Dolls. I have been a fan of this band since high school when they broke out with the hugely popular Name. I bought the tickets about 3 months ago and it has been a long time waitin'.

The Goos put on a fantastic show and played quite a few of their 'older' hits like Iris, Black Balloon, Dizzy, Broadway and then a few of their new tunes from Let Love In. The lighting was not over the top and the sound was really clear. Love me some Johnny Reznick. If only he was about 6 inches taller but I could overlook that important fact since he is a now sober rock 'n roll guitar playing demi-god.

My Apologies to Joani

Joani...I'm sorry for making you paranoid that your talented and independent oldest daughter could have possibly been laying in the streets of New York mugged and otherwise injured. I'm sorry that I don't have a home phone. I apologize for not being at my desk this morning when you called to check that I was still alive. Overall, I ask for your forgiveness for not realizing I needed to call Moocher and you back when my cell phone battery died during our conversation late last night. I didn't realize you would start imagining terrible things that happened to me. I promise to be more aware of my cell phone battery power and will change my voicemail at work to include the option to dial the operator and have me located.

Thank you for caring so much that you were willing to track me down when the standards options were not working.

Big hugs to my Joani!

It's About the Shoes

On the train this morning I seemed to be fixated on people's shoes. At the 59th Street stop I could only see the feet of those waiting on the opposite platform. I found myself trying to guess if the people attached to the shoes were tourists, cops, executives or teenagers skipping out on chemistry class. Normally feet ensconced in sneakers would belong to tourists or young mothers but here in Manhattan sneakered feet could belong to executives, assistants or filming crew.

I used to be a strictly black flats type of girl but seem to embraced the joy of the heel regardless of the fact that I generally tower over most of the Manhattan public. That must be why I spent the most money ever on shoes two weeks ago. Aren't they beautiful?

My obsession with the shoes must explain why I am constantly taking pictures of people's shoe clad feet. Or maybe it was just because I needed to waste some film or memory card space. I guess I need to do a little more self-analyzation to figure it out.


Any guesses whose feet these are?

Thanksgiving in CT

Friday afternoon I hopped on a train to hang out with Claire in the "CT". I arrived and immediately requested a trip to Target to begin the trip on the right foot. I proceeded to load up on essentials and some early Christmas shopping. We indulged in a great meal at Outback Steakhouse where I ordered my customary Alice Springs Chicken. Yum!

Saturday morning Claire and I lounged before the onslaught of the Thanksgiving festivities at the Restauranteur's home. I got the easy job of playing with Princess K while the rest of the adults cooked, cleaned, set the table and washed pots and pans. It was a great meal and fun to be with a family even though it wasn't my family for the Thanksgiving festivities.

Today Claire and I attended her ward and enjoyed two hours in the Nursery watching and playing with 6 kids ages 2 and 3. I'm rarely around kids nowadays so playing with the younglings was fun at least for the first 30 minutes...after that I just got a headache. After grabbing some lunner I took the Metro North train back to my lovely abode. All in all it was a great time in CT.

Luckily I will be seeing Claire this weekend because we are going to enjoy the Goo Goo Dolls at the Hammerstein Ballroom then venture to Park Avenue for the Christmas tree median lighting.

These are some pics from my time in CT, including the "driveway" lined with geese of the Restauranteur's home...

It's That Time Again

It's time again for the joy of the holiday season to wrap its comforting spirit around the world. A couple of days ago I saw the greenery rising on the Waldorf Astoria as well as the trees lining Park Avenue's medians being lit up. There are so many times during the year that I love to watch the city transform. Seeing the lights, garlands, trees, stars, and store windows almost come to life with the holidays is so exciting! The one downer is the fact that it gets really, really cold during this time. Luckily I have a plethora of coats to choose to wear.

My first Christmas in the City was really hard because I was still going through the trauma of moving to New York. I needed a pick-me-up really badly and one of my bestest friends, Doc delivered it to me. We took one Saturday before Christmas and did all of the cheesy touristy holiday things. There is a reason that the busy season for tourism is the months of November and December. Doc and I went to the Rockefeller Tree, Macy's Windows, got hot chocolate in Central Park, did a little shopping on 34th street and basically soaked in all of the holiday cheer. Every year since we have conducted our New York Fun Day to remember why we love New York and how the city comes to life with the holidays.

This year we are revving up New York Fun Day especially since Doc is traveling from the great golden way to our famed city. We'll hit all of the main attractions but we're going to choose great new restaurants to enjoy and have invited Dancing Queen and Jewel to come also. The more the merrier! The conclusion of New York Fun Day has become my holiday tradition. We all go and enjoy the New York Pops Christmas concert at Carnegie Hall. We get to sing "White Christmas" at the end. Who could ask for anything more?