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!