London Party

Last night Netter and I booked our Thanksgiving excursion to London. We have been talking about London for about 4 years now and finally we are going. Hooray!

I'm excited to tour the British Museum, Stonehenge, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and our super-duper day trip to Bath, England where we are led by a tour guide in full Roman Soldier costume. It is going to be awesome!

SYTYCD Premiere

The premiere of SYTYCD was last night. I was so ready for some great dance moves. In my opinion we got a couple amazing performances but overall it was a trip down memory lane of the "crazies" that come to auditions every year. luckily i was able to fast forward through them.

A couple of new people showed up including the most grotesque Italian dancer. He was so greasy that I just wanted him to go away. Loved William who danced to no music just words and kehrington who held our old friend Dominic captivated.

This is just the calm before the competition storm. I think it will be very interesting to see the auditions in the beehive state next week. That Utah state has a plethora of dance studios and dancers. Last year's champion Sabra was from Utah. Way to represent!

Mark calendars for next week's episode on Wednesday May 28th at 8:00pm on FOX.

The Top Two

The top two dances from SYTYCD in my humble opinion both come from Season 2 and both are contemporary pieces. This was surprising since I generally am a jazz fan. They just both blew me away when I saw them.

So here they are America...your top two dances as chosen by me. :)

NUMBER 2 - Allison & Ivan's Why by Tyce DiOrio (Season 2)



The top dance I chose because it was the first one I saw that sucked me into the machine that is SYTYCD. Nicoleee and I were just sitting back relaxing when we channel surfed to Fox and saw what you are about to see. It was truly breathtaking.

Drum roll please....

NUMBER 1 - Heidi & Travis' Calling You by Mia Michales (Season 2)



That's it for the dance countdown. As of this post we are T-minus 11 hours away from the goodness of So You Think You Can Dance. The dancers are chosen by June 4th when the competition kicks into high gear. So totally excited.

Nicoleee if you are reading...it won't be the same without you watching with me. :)

Numbers 3 & 4

Just call this the Lacey post because both dances contain her moves.

NUMBER 4 - Lacey & Kameron's Hustle by Maria Torres (Season 3)



(I couldn't find only the dance so you get to see some of the extras about Lacey & Kameron)

NUMBER 3 - Lacey & Danny's Viennese Waltz by Jean-Marc Generaux (Season 3)



Loved the waltz because it was choregraphed to a contemporary song and was energetic.

Premiere starts tomorrow...yippee!

It's All About Boston

It was that time again. Time to get out of the city. Netter, Dancing Queen and I piled into our Subaru Tribeca to head to the wonderous city of Boston for the weekend. After a very long ride because of traffic and rain we arrived at Dancing Queen's parent's condo. We went straight to sleep because we were tired.

The next morning it was all about the Freedom Trail. We started at King's Church and made it as far as Fanheil Hall before we opted to purchase a trolley tour for the remaining sites. Just so everyone is aware...a happy trolley is a quiet trolley.

After all the Freedom touring we hopped back in the Tribeca and went to the Boston Temple, Target and PF Chang's where Dancing Queen must have shown a little leg because the manager gave us an empty table ahead of the others waiting for at least 40 minutes to be seated. Way to take one for the team Dancing Queen.

Next morning it was all about climbing aboard the boats. We toured the U.S.S. Constitution or "Old Ironsides" then heading to the U.S.S. Cassis Young. It was amazing to stand on these vessels knowing that many men through some of the roughest wars protected our country. After some Brigham's ice cream at the cafe we headed to Providence to drop off Netter and eat Cheesecake Factory and finally road tripped the rest of the way to NYC.

Overall it was a great Bostonian experience.

Number 6 & 5

Now the Season 2 performances enter the countdown...

NUMBER 6 - Benji & Heidi's Black Mambo by Alex DaSilva (Season 2)



Continuing with the Benji goodness...

NUMBER 5 - Benji & Donyelle's Hairspray by Tyce DiOrio (Season 2)



We are now down to our Top 4 with only 2 days before the premiere on Thursday. Woo hoo!

Number 7 & 8

Loved the slowed down hip hop with less pelvic thrusting. Dominic and Sabra was so good in this routine by Shane Sparks

NUMBER 8 - Dominic & Sabra's Slow Hip Hop by Shane Sparks (Season 3)



NUMBER 7 - Neil & Sara's Disco Dynamite by Doriana Sanchez (Season 3)



They made disco fun to watch!

Number 9 & 10

Last year I was really excited about the show. I watched it from beginning to the bitter end which was so much better than coming in at the half way point the year before. Dance #10 was from the first performance show and it completely blew me away. Enjoy!

NUMBER 10 - Lacey & Kameron's Contemporary by Mia Michaels (Season 3)



Dance #9 was so different and inventive from anything previous that it was hugely popular when performed. The opening sequence by Jamie is so difficult!

NUMBER 9 - Jamie & Hok's Humingbird Flower by Wade Robson (Season 3)



Numbers 7 & 8 will be coming at you on Monday. Oh the anticipation.

Number 11 & 12

The countdown begins....

NUMBER 12 - Pasha & Lauren's Hip Hop Machine by Shane Sparks (Season 3)



NUMBER 11 - Neil & Sabra's 80s Power Lunch by Mandy Moore (Season 3)



Numbers 9 & 10 come at you tomorrow...so stay tuned...

True Fanatics

Tomorrow is the day that New Kids on the Block perform on the Today Show Concert series. It has been many moons since the band hit the stage so I can understand the excitement. What I can't understand is the fact that a LINE has now formed outside my office at Rockefeller Plaza of early middle-aged woman waiting to get a glimpse of the almost 40-somethings strutting their stuff to the tunes of Hangin' Tough, (You Got It) The Right Stuff or my all-time favorite Please Don't Go Girl. I'm going to guess that the women congregating on their folding chairs outside aren't native New Yorkers. I only say that because a New Yorker would figure out who they know that knows someone with NBC to get them a pass to witness the show up close.

I must arrive early tomorrow morning to work so I'll try to snap a few pictures of the fanatic women prior to the crying, screaming, and overall hysteria begins over Jordon, Joey, Danny, Jon & Donnie.

If you're lucky I might record the volume of screaming heard in my office 20 floors above the Plaza. Oooohhh, the excitement just increased.

As promised here is a couple quick pics of the line formed outside of my office building:

Top Group Dances

My quest to determine the top 12 of So You Think You Can Dance has been harder than expected. The list kept getting longer and longer so I opted to do a separate little countdown of just the Group Dances performed on each elimination show. I'm only going to do the Top 5 Group Dances because I don't want to go completely over the top.

NUMBER FIVE - Shane Spark's "Poison"



NUMBER FOUR - Adam Shankman's "Hairspray"



NUMBER THREE - Mia Michael's "Hide & Seek"



NUMBER TWO - Wade Robson's "Sexy Back"



Drum Roll please....and the NUMBER ONE Group Dance of So You Think You Can Dance Is...

Mia Michael's "The Moment I Said It"



There you go. The best group dances in my humble opinion from the last two seasons. Don't forget the premiere is only 8 days away.

Countdown to So You Think You Can Dance

My great friend Netter suggested I do a "Countdown to So You Think You Can Dance" by sharing my Top Twelve routines from seasons past. That woman is brilliant! I am taking her advice to do a quick countdown of dance goodness. Unfortunately I couldn't narrow it down to just Twelve so I have a few Honorable Mentions. As a disclaimer I only started watching SYTYCD in its entirety last year so I missed a good portion of Season 2 and ALL of Season 1.

Enjoy the dance and I hope it gets you super psyched for Season 4!

1st Honorable Mention: Lauren & Neil's Angel Jazz by Wade Robson (Season 3)



2nd Honorable Mention: Sara & Danny's Argentine Tango by Alex DaSilva (Season 3)



Don't forget to set your TiVO, DVR or VCR to record the newest installment of So You Think You Can Dance on Fox next Thursday the 22nd at 8:00pm! I can't wait!

I blame you Netter

Generally I don't jump on the trend bandwagon especially when it comes to entertainment.  I still haven't read more than the first Harry Potter book, ignored my mother's pleadings to read The Work and the Glory for at least two years, opted to not care if the "Survivors" got out of their exile and didn't give a hoot or holler about who was named American's Next Top Model, Project Runway winner or won the heart of The Bachelor.  I almost felt like the last remaining American who didn't put life on hold Tuesday and Wednesday nights to enjoy the vocal stylings of 'amateurs' trying to sing cover songs for a recording contract.  I was most definitely not an American Idol fan from the beginning.  Didn't the show start in like 1992.  I swear it has been on forever.  There must be about 15 American Idols now.

This determination to avoid American Idol came to a screeching halt when Netter spent a Tuesday evening visiting her injured friend.  I was so thrilled to have human contact after being stuck in my apartment that I broke down and we watched American Idol together.  That was the beginning of the end.  

Now I actually know the names of those still remaining...Syesha Mercado, David Cook, Jason Castro and David Archuleta.  I felt bad when Brooke White was bounced from the show last week.  I will probably add the show to my DVR list this week.  How did this happen??  I was happy living my American Idol-less life.  Oh well, might as well embrace it.  So thank you Netter for bringing the joy of cover songs with alternate arrangements into my life.  

I hope either of the Davids win.  Kinda think David Archuleta is adorable and an amazing singer.  David Cook can rock a song that was meant to be a sweet ballad but that poor boy needs a hair cut.  Someone help him please.

One of the best reasons to watch the show is because with each episode I'm one step closer to the joy of So You Think You Can Dance?  Since I got Netter hooked on that Must See TV, I suppose her American Idol incorporation was just pay back.  :)

Jazz Fan

After leaving my job at the NBA, I have barely spent any time viewing NBA games.  I needed to distance myself from the basketball bu I always knew I would return to enjoying the athletic stylings of the current crop of players.  That day has come thanks in part to my friends Artiste and Frequent Flyer.  These friends don't have their own version of Ed and cable so I offered my home for them to view the first round between the Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets.  Artiste is a big fan of the Jazz and deserves the chance to see his team play.  

Initially I thought I would go into my room and read a book so that they could enjoy the game without my commentary.  But after that first game I became completely hooked.  I knew of two players on the Jazz up until last week...now I know them all.  (okay not the habitual bench warmers)  I even now have to wear my Jimmy Eat World t-shirt because they lost the one time I didn't wear it.  I have a Jazz superstition.  

It has been fun to watch the Jazz play and destroy the Rockets in Game 6.  Now I'm hooked and initiate the contact to Artiste and Frequent Flyer to see when they can come over to watch the games.  My grandmother would be so proud.  She loved the Jazz.

Here's to hoping the Jazz can destroy Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.  There isn't a person who I want to see fail more than Kobe Bryant.    

CRUTCH-LESS

The day has finally come that I could leave my apartment without a metal attachment to my right side!!!  Hooray!  Saturday was my first official crutch-less day!  After three long months I am finally able to remember my life prior to the "great injury of 2008".

So how did I choose to spend my first crutch-less day?  I opted to enjoy the visual stylings of Made of Honor (just okay) and Iron Man (absolutely fantastic) in the theater at 87th Street and 3rd Avenue.  It was fun to walk to lunch between the movies and then walk home afterwards.  

I may now be crutch-less but alas still have to deal with pain and swelling.  Apparently that will be constant for next few months.  Who knew that breaking a bone causes habitual swelling for months?  I certainly didn't.  

I have to give credit where it is due...I couldn't have made May 3rd my crutch-less day without the assistance of PT Jeremy.  He and his assistant Austin City whipped me into shape so that I could walk finally without my crutches.  Thank you much.  

Now all I can think about are the things I can do again now that I am crutch-less - hence the newest poll.  You can determine what I do first...so please vote!  This might be your only chance to tell me what to do.  :)

Give me some Froot Loops!

Nothing says comfort food like...Froot Loops. I love them. Can't get enough of them. Always want them!

I already had two bowls for dinner.  Unfortunately my supply is getting low.  Got to go to Associated and grab some more boxes.  Yum, yum!

Hawaii Here I Come!

I have endlessly dreamt of going to Hawaii since I was a child growing up on the west coast. It was paradise. I figured turning 30 was the perfect reason to finally go to Hawaii. Instead of holding a destination wedding, I'm holding a destination birthday.

Myself, Joani, Moocher, Flex, Sunshine and Pookie are all heading to the beach town of Kailau on O'ahu at the end of June. We are going to soak up the sunshine, BBQ, play some games, enjoy the villages of the Polynesian Cultural Center, take a helicopter tour, and try to see some dolphins.  Mostly I just want to sit on the beach with a book and my brand new floppy hat and remember that I am a lucky, lucky girl.

Only about 58 days left 'till my destination birthday!  I can't explain in words how excited I am!

Journey of the Ankle

It has been a long journey from February 9th to today.  My broken ankle caused enormous amounts of pain and aggravation but it also taught me something.  To sound somewhat "deep", I learned something from the whole experience.  Actually I have learned many things...

• My friends completely stepped up to take care of me
  
• It is okay to be sad and upset
  
• A DVD collection full of chick flicks can be the best medicine
  
• Staring at the same four walls makes me want to redecorate
  
• Although it's hard to be away from my family, I know their prayers helped me
  
• Books are a wonderful escape from the pain
  
• The ability to breathe fresh air and be outside is one of the most wonderful blessings
  

Most of all I am so thankful for my life here in New York City and my faith.  I know that I am supposed to be far from my family to build a home here.  When road blocks come into life it is by faith and trust that I am able to get through the struggle.  I believe that each experience of my life, whether easy or hard, will teach me something and I trust in those lessons to help me become a better person.

Blooms!

Our annual trek to the Conservatory Garden in Central Park took place on Saturday.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day!  Netter and I brunched at 3 Guys then strolled slowly to the park to view the blossoms.  It was beautiful!  Spring has finally fully sprung!

Riding the Bus

No more cabbing daily for me!  It was sucking the money right out of me so yesterday I bought my first monthly MetroCard to ride the bus to and from work.  The thing I noticed is that people aren't as willing to give up the hard fought seats.  

Today I waited forever for a crosstown bus and then when I finally got on the bus no one opted to give up their seat even though I clearly was struggling with the crutch.  At the next stop two people left the disability/wheelchair seats and the man standing right in front of me took over BOTH seats.  I was completely irritated.  

Needless it didn't start off my day right.  

Luckily on the bus ride home a very nice young woman gave up her seat on a very cramped bus.  Thank you to the person who gave up your seat and had to scrunch up next to me.  I really appreciate it.

I definitely will give up my seat next time I see a person with any kind of crutch, cane, stroller, or pregnant belly.  

Poll Results

For those who care, here are the results from the previous 3 polls on this blog.

Gilmore Girls was named the cancelled televsion show with the most impact.

United Kingdom will be my next vacation destination after Hawaii; which looks to be coming to fruition as I plan a trip there for Thanksgiving 2008.

The back is considered the most inconvenient bone to break.  I would have to whole heartedly agree.  

Keep checking for new polls every Saturday and vote.  Isn't this fun?!?  :)

N.K.O.T.B. - It's Official!

The anti-climatic announcement on the Today Show that New Kids on the Block were reforming and touring together was finally made official. I wasn't in my office in Rockefeller Plaza last Friday but my co-workers said you could hear the screaming from the plaza 20 floors below my office. I can't imagine what it will be like when they perform on Friday May 16th.

It is quite nostalgic to think of my days as a fan of N.K.O.T.B. although I wasn't really into them until college and a certain roomie from Alaska owned the Hangin' Tough concert videos. Love for the "Kids" also coinsided with my developing passion for everything 'N Sync. I'm excited to see what the 30 somethings bring to the musical table this time around. They are already styled better than in their hey-day as evidenced by the below. Thank goodness for small miracles...welcome back N.K.O.T.B.!

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.