June 30, 2004

Wednesday

I thought today was Tuesday until the coffee truck guy reminded me. Everyday we talk about how we wish it was Friday, then he hands over my small regular and I'm off.

Got paid today and already I have no money until next paycheck. I owed way more than I should on my overdraft. But thank god for the overdraft. I don't know what I'd do without it.

Met Eugene for lunch as we decided to take advantage of restaurant week and go to Le Cirque 2000. What a mistake. We walk in, the guys eyes us up and down and says in a snooty voice "yes, can I help you?". 2 for lunch please. "UH, no, we're completely booked...and we require jackets". Yeah, completely booked my ass. Jerk. I am never going there again. Place looked to goofy and gaudy inside anyway.

June 29, 2004

Desk troubles


My coworkers say my desk is messy. I just tried cleaning it up a bit but it still looks so cluttered. What do you think? Any suggestions? Posted by Hello

A wedding in Central Park

My Mummy & her long time significant other tied the knot this weekend in Central Park.

Everything went pretty smoothly for the whole event. We started the day taking my brother and his girlfriend Ana Lea to Dim Sum at Golden Unicorn. Mmmm, Mexican Buns. Then we all split up as we all had specific jobs to do. David had to print out the ceremony program, get shoes, haircut and finish up some work. I had to get my nails done and meet Mummy at the hair salon for our 'do's. Ben & Ana had to shop in Chinatown.

The hair appointment went well. My Mom's hair looked terrific. When it was time to do mine the stylist suggested I get it cut soon because it looked uneven and messy. So I told him go ahead if he has time. He did and he cut a lot off. It is a good cut but shorter than I'd like. But I needed it. What I didn't need was to pay $125 for it. But Mummy was treating so it was all good :)

Sped home in a cab. Got dressed & made up and David and I hopped in a cab to meet everyone at The Plaza for the Ketubah signing. Mummy looked great and Fred had on his 'exquisite' tuxedo. Note-those are his words, not mine. But everyone looked great. Ketubah was signed, champagne corks were popped, cheese and crackers were eaten. The celebration had begun!

Mummy had rented a 14 passenger van so we all hopped in and went up to the Conservatory Garden on 105 & 5th Ave. The weather was perfect and everything went smoothly. The procession began with Gramma/Matthew, David/Shaina, Leo & Asha with Fred in the middle, and finally Ben & I with Mummy in the middle. The violin was playing, the breeze blowing. Everything went right. Except the Huppa. It decided to tear loose from the wooden poles we were all holding and get caught in Leo's tallis around his neck. But Ben reacted quickly and got control. Rings were exchanged. Kisses. Breaking of the glass. You get the picture.

Then we all went off to Tavern on the Green for the party. Had a couple of drinks outside at the bar, then we were all seated. The seating was a little tight and some young folks got stuck at the 'old' folks table but everyone had a good time and Mummy/Fred were happy. And thats what its all about. Congratulations!



The Bride Posted by Hello


The Bride & Groom leave the party in a horse & carriage Posted by Hello


Mummy & Fred in their suite at the Plaza Hotel Posted by Hello

June 28, 2004

Ingrid

I received an email a couple of wks ago from a mystery person named Ingrid. She somehow found my blog (she appears to like purple monkeys-but then again, who doesn't?) and wrote me an email saying she'd like to start one up. So I directed her to Blogger.com and here she is. Everyone say hi Ingrid :)

I will post on my Mom's wedding later tonight...

June 24, 2004

9/11

Hm. We saw Fahrenheit 9/11 last night. I don't know what to say. Too angry. Too frustrated. I feel so helpless. But I do know everyone MUST see this movie. There are facts that cannot be denied. The footage in Iraq is nothing you've ever seen before and you cannot help but be affected by it. I feel so strongly about this that I want to buy bootlegs and hand them out on the street.

June 22, 2004

N80



I got this lovely camera about 2 yrs ago for my birthday from my Mom. I took it to Block Island without the directions and took tons of shots of what ended up being our wedding location. When I developed the film a lot of the pictures were discolored and/or dark. They just didn't look right. I figured it was either the film or I just flipped to many switches on the thing and messed something up. I've been meaning to read through the manual and test it again for the last 2 yrs. Well I finally got around to it on the LIRR on Sunday. And boy, does this camera do a lot! I can't believe it has taken me so long to figure this thing out and enjoy it. I've taken some test shots and will develop the film this week.

I plan to use it to take pictures of my Mom's wedding on Saturday. She has a photographer coming (her fiances uncle) but I figure you can never have too many shots of your wedding day. I just hope the weather is wonderful and things go smoothly. I'm feeling this wedding stress thing all over again. I no likey.

June 21, 2004

Bye bye couch :(

We have had 2 couches for almost 6 months now. Why-because we couldn't bare to just throw away our beloved first couch. I tried everything to get rid of it to a good, loving home. Craigs List, friends, co-workers. I even booked Salvation Army to come and pick it up last Friday. David took the day off of work and waited. They finally arrived, and before they even got up the stairs they refused to take it. You're too high up they said. Um, I told them 2C. I guess I should've mentioned that we're actually on the third floor. On top of that they said it was in bad condition. Um, do poor desperate people really care? I guess they do. So we were left with no choice but to toss it.

Sunday morning before our trek out to LI David and I attempted to take it down to be thrown out. But we couldn't get it around the final turn. Damn, we had to haul it all the way back up. I thought I was going to die. It is the heaviest piece of furniture ever. So Matthew agreed to help us after LI.

When we got home they had it all worked out. Turn it this way and that and it will be no problem getting it down. Wrong. BIG problem. It got jammed around the last turn. Really jammed. No one could move. No one could come or go. It was stuck. It took about a half hr of pushing, pulling and hammering to get it free. That and all the paint on the walls. Oops, sorry. But we finally set the couch free on the sidewalk and said our goodbyes. I hope a nice family with kids and a dog picked it up.

Perfect Saturday

Saturday was such a perfect day. 80 degrees, breezy, crystal clear blue blue skies. Amazing.

I started the day off with jogging around the reservoir. Then Dave & I went to breakfast at our Saturday place Lenny's Bagels. Then we set off for the park. David has wanted to rent rowboats at the Loeb Boathouse for about 7 years now. But we just never got around to doing it (my fault). Well we finally did. And it was amazing. For just $10 an hr you can row yourself silly. Everything was awash in green, even the water. Unbelievably relaxing. But maybe that was because he was doing all the rowing and I all the lounging. We ended up rowing and drifting for an hr and a half. Highly highly recommended if you want to blow off some steam and enjoy Central Park to its fullest.

Afterwards we stopped in at the Boathouse for a bathroom break. Thats when I noticed all these fruit n' cheese platters whizzing by. Had to have one. So we snatched an outdoor table by the bar and ordered wine, bloody mary and fruit n' cheese. So perfect. It felt like we were on vacation in Europe or something. I love NY.



Rowboating in Central Park on Saturday Posted by Hello



My Gondolier Posted by Hello


Fruit n' Cheese at Loeb Boathouse in Central Park Posted by Hello

June 18, 2004

That's Unpossible!

Who's smarter? Bush or Wiggum? You decide...

RUN HIT WONDERS



I've signed up with people from work to do the Nike Run Hit Wonders 5K run in Central Park. It looks awesome. Along the run route will be one hit wonder bands set up-Devo, Kajagoogoo, Tone Loc, Tommy Tutone, General Public and my favorite Flock of Seagulls! This is going to be awesome. Anyone interested?

June 16, 2004

HEDONISM 2

A couple of co-workers are looking to go to Jamaica for a vacation in August. Their travel agent talked them into going to
Hedonism 2
. She told them it wasn't that bad, and it had a nude beach, or the prude beach. So they signed up.

After some research we've found out it looks to be just one wild, naked swapping party. The girls are now reconsidering. Another co-worker overheard our conversation and said he's been. He's even played naked volleyball. Now that is one image we wish never hit our minds. Too many flying balls.

June 14, 2004

A$$ 2 A$$


Cigarette Butt stand next to my apartment. Someone decided to put their cigarette out in a very special place. Posted by Hello

June 13, 2004

Good Beer & Bad Lines

Yesterday was a beautiful day. The sky was so blue and everything looked crystal clear. It reminded me of our wedding day.

I ran in Central Park yesterday for the first time since last Summer. It was gorgeous and I felt great. Made it twice around the newly renamed Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. Woohoo!

Last night Dave, Matthew and I went to meet up with Celvyn & co. at The Bohemian Hall Beer Garden in Astoria. The place was PACKED to say the least. Must have been 600+ there. We found a table quickly and waited for the others to arrive. Celvyn, Pater and their 2 friends came by. As did others. Many others. Soon there were like 10 of us. But I wouldn't know. I was standing on line for BBQ. For 2 hours. Yes, 2 hours. There are 2 ways to eat there, waitress service with full menu or BBQ. Apparently there are about 3 waitresses for 600+ people, and we were hungry. We asked her to order. "not yet" she said. Ok, when? Not now. We were all starving so Matthew and I waited in line. And waited. The smells of the Kielbasa were driving us crazy. As were the idiots blaring their party favors all over the place, for this is the place of birthdays. There must have been 10 birthday parties going on throughout the garden. When we got up to order there were only 2 people manning this operation. Ridiculous. 1 man and 1 very unhappy young chick. She was pissed. But we were even more pissed waiting in line for 2 hours. Then we orderd-8 Kielbasa, 6 hamburgers. "Eight?" YES! Just do it dammit! We're hungry. So she unhappily made our 14 plates of food and we went back to the table and sat down for the first time in a long time. And let me tell you that food was GOOD. Damn good. 2 hours in line good-no. But we enjoyed it and the beer. Celvyn was tipsy. Pater insisted on driving us home. So we ended the night, no Zeus' balls, but satisfied.

June 11, 2004



New Coke. Again. Dumb idea. Again.


Joseph Pilates, founder of The Pilates Method

Pilates is Greek for PAIN

Did the pilates class Wed night. As I was looking for the room, I asked an aerobics instructor as she finished up her class which room it was in. She pointed me in the right direction and said as I walked away "be careful in there". Um, ok. I should have listened.

I got my mat and went to what I thought was the back of the room for some privacy. Uh oh-it was the front. And not just the front, the front RIGHT next to the teacher. The teacher is not a friendly person. She walked in, and told us to get into the 'blah blah blah' position. Um, ok? So I tried to keep up by watching the chicks around us. She walked around, tsk'ing us that we weren't aligned properly, and that we looked liked a bunch of beginners. Um, we are. Turns out out of 10 of us, 4 were beginners. HA! She didn't want to show us all the moves she was telling us to do, because, as she put it, "I will fall out of my top". So I struggled along, legs and arms shaking, palms sweating, feet sliding around. But I did it. The whole hour. And now I am paying for it. But the pain is good. And I think I will go back. Just maybe I'll choose another teacher next time. One who is wearing a proper top.

June 10, 2004

I accidentally took the Metro News this morning instead of my beloved AM New York. But lucky I did. I found a great article on a blog written by 2 brothers in Manhattan who have decided to post a site to help New Yorkers spruce up their little apartments. Its got reviews on furniture stores, movers, photos of cool little items. They even post pics of furniture that is for sale on sites like Craigs List that are a good buy. Check it out.

June 09, 2004


IT'S FUN TO STAY AT THE...

I 'joined' the YMCA yesterday. Well, kinda. I am giving it a try first with my FREE 1 week trial membership.

I was very nervous going for some reason. What if I get lost(its 5 floors)? What if I use the machine's incorrectly and get yelled at. What if I don't follow proper dismounting procedure on the treadmill? But it all worked out fine. Maybe because all I did was the treadmill, then took a self guided tour around the place to see just how busy it gets after work. It wasn't bad at all. The pool had an open lane or two. The aerobics classes weren't jammed packed. Hell, an old man was walking up the stair with a cane. He was averaging about 1 step every 3 minutes. Seriously. If he can do this, so can I. Today will be day 2. I am going to attempt Mat Pilates at 6:15. Then if I'm feeling really spunky, I'll follow it up with some Yoga-All Levels at 6:45. Wish me luck!



Curiosa tickets are on sale now for Randalls Island on 7/31. Get 'em while they're Hot Hot Hot!! :)

June 07, 2004



I am starting to get back into jigsaw puzzles. Back in Miami I was addicted. I would work them until late at night, on my lunch hour, before work. I find them so relaxing.

A co-worker recently told me he has been doing them since moving into a new place. He has no money and his TV broke so this is his only option for entertainment. But he was doing the cheap Rite Aid brand. So I told him about Springbok brand puzzles and how great they are. He bought a couple and he's now hooked. Me too. I started doing this one. Its a little difficult-many blues. But enjoyable nonetheless. Its also giving me the itch to travel again.

June 06, 2004


Belmont miStakes

I wonder how long it will take me to get over this defeat. Yesterday was such an amazing day full of many highs, and one huge low.

We arrived there around 1 or so. Got settled in, lost a few folks but caught up with them later. Luckily the rain held off most of the day. The crowd had to be the largest I've ever seen there. Mainly OTB types smoking up a storm (how do they get away with it?) with the occasional lady wearing a cheap hat. Its no Kentucky Derby, thats for sure.

We bet on almost all the races. I only came out with 1 $14 win. Matthew, on the other hand, won a total of $600 or so. Not bad for a day at the races.

As the day went on we all felt the tension of Race 11 coming up. As soon as Race 10 ended we all ran out to see the star, in the flesh. I swear it was like a movie star was arriving. Everyone gathered around, cameras and videocameras in hand, awaiting the one reason we were all there that day. Children were on their father's shoulders-"Is he here yet Daddy? I want to see Smarty!". Then he arrived. We all cheered and clapped, camera flashes going off. It was unlike any Belmont Stakes I've ever seen. We've been there for possible Triple Crown winners, but this was so different. It was so close to all of our hearts.

After we got a couple of glimpses of him, we all headed back to get our place in our seats (and kick out a few stragglers) for the Main Event. Everyone gathered around. We all got up on our seats and everyone started chanting "SMAR-TY, SMAR-TY". It was so moving. Everyone cheered as they brought the horses out onto the racetrack to warm them up and get them into the gates. I actually felt like the building was going to come down on top of us with all the foot stamping and joy. We all oohed and aahed as they tried to get that pissed off beast Rock Hard Ten into the gate. Then we all held our breath as they loaded the final horse into the gate.

Then it all went to shit.

As soon as they came out of the gate we all looked to the scoreboard to see the run order. Smarty was in first. What?? What is going on here? Don't push him too hard too early. Don't screw this up! The crowd was going absolutely nuts. Its funny, I didn't feel I was at the Belmont Stakes that day in hopes that Smarty would win. I believed I went there to see him win, to witness history in the making. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind. Then the unimaginable happened. As he approached the last turn and the final run for the finish line, he was overtaken by that bastard of a horse Birdstone. Who the hell is this? No one could believe their eyes. It was so surreal. I fell to the chair and just started crying. It was just so heartbreaking. It was one of the biggest dissapointments of my life. He should have won that race. The way he won a place in all of our hearts.

We love you Smarty Jones.


Happy Birthday Celvyn!


Today is Celvyn's birthday. Happy birthday to my special friend. Not special as in small yellow school bus special. Special as in someone I can hang with, laugh with and count on. Woohooo, you're almost as old as me. Welcome to the early thirties :)

June 04, 2004



Starbucks Strawberries & Cream Frappucino. So good. Yet so bad.

I had a sample of the S&C Frap from Starbucks yesterday. OH MY GOODNESS! So good. It tastes just like strawberry Quik, but blended to icy goodness. I was considering getting one today. Then I read the nutritional info:

Grande-Serving Size 16 fl. oz.

Calories 600
Fat Calories 160
Total Fat (g) 17
Saturated Fat (g) 10
Cholesterol (mg) 55
Sodium (mg) 390
Total Carbohydrates (g) 95
Fiber (g) <1
Sugars (g) 87
Protein (g) 14


I guess I'll stick to iced coffee from the truck. Yeesh!


GO SMARTY GO!

Tomorrow is the Belmont Stakes. I am excited. I am beyond excited actually. Sure, there's been years past where we were so sure we'd have a triple crown winner. Real Quiet. Funny Cide. But this year is different. This horse is different. Smarty brings out something in people that the others didn't. I don't know if its because he's undefeated, or if its his amazing story. But this is a special horse and tomorrow will be a race to remember. I have to be sure to bring tissues because the Belmont Stakes is sure to bring a lot of emotion to everyone who witnesses it. Go Smarty go! You can do it. You have the whole world routing for you.




HAPPY BIRTHDAY EUGY-LOO!!


Today is Eugene's 33rd birthday. Happy birthday Eugene. Come back to NYC soon so we can celebrate with some Corner Bistro burgers and Magnolia cupcakes :)

June 02, 2004



BRING ON SEASON 3!

We watched the end of Buffy-Season 2 last night. OH. MY. GOD. So freakin' good. I never imagined this series to be so intelligent and have so much depth. David and I are so addicted. We cannot go to sleep at night without our Buffy. Well, his Buffy-and my Angel :)  Posted by Hello

June 01, 2004


Matthew and his pink blankey at Tatiana's Posted by Hello

After the rides we walked on the boardwalk to Brighton Beach for some good ol' Russian Food. Night was coming and it was really getting chilly. We noticed lots of people eating outside on the boardwalk at the many Russian restaurants. But they were all wearing tablecloths. What fools! As we approched Tatiana's the hostess welcomed us and said "come-sit outside-we have blanket for you" and sure enough she pulled out 4 bright neon colored blankets, wrapped us up and sat us down. Goofy-yes. Warm n cozy-definitely! It was awesome. I can't help but wonder if they purposely make the blankets neon colors so they can spot you if you run away with them.

The food was great and the portions HUGE. We all shared Beef Stroganoff, Pork Escalope and Cornish Hen cooked in beer. Very tasty. VERY filling. We took at least half of it home. Things are big in Russia. It was beautiful sitting on the boardwalk and watching all the Russian families and couples stroll along in their Sunday best.


The Q train Posted by Hello

Sunday morning we headed out to Coney Island with Matthew & Tatiana. We felt like little kids going to Disney World. Everyone was so excited. The weather was gorgeous, and we couldn't wait to begin our Summer. Once we got there it was a little too cold for comfort but we managed. Ferris wheel was great as usual. Did the bumper cars about 4 times in a row. We all now have major whiplash and sore shoulders, David has more than a few broken blood vessels, but it was all in good fun! Then of course how could we leave without going on the world famous Cyclone. Tatiana was scared silly as she'd never been on a roller coaster before but we forced her. I don't think she liked it. As she got off she said "Thanks God its over".


Dim Sum  Posted by Hello

Saturday David and I went for Dim Sum with Matthew and his friend visiting from Miami, Tatiana. It was nice not getting there too late because if you go early you get lots more Mexican Buns to eat. We ordered 9 buns for 4 people. The waitress was surprised and amused we ordered so many. I got the extra. Damn, I could really survive on those alone.

Afterward we split up and David and I strolled in Chinatown and walked up Hudson through the Village. It was such a beautiful, quiet day in the city. I swear at least half of NYC was away this wknd. It felt like we had the place to ourselves. Stopped at a great little place for lemonade, I think it was called the Chick Inn? They had cute little tables and comfy chairs outside to relax in. It would definitely be a nice place for a Summer Sunday brunch.

On the subway a nice lady sitting next to me started up a conversation. This was odd because 1-I never see elderly people on the train and 2-its rare that someone who's not a tourist starts up a conversation. She talked about how it would be so scary if there was a bomb in the train-where would we go? Then she told me about how in the 40's everyone in NYC was so kind. Everyone was dressed up all the time, men would tip their hats to the ladies, life was good. Now, she says, no one talks to you, everyone looks like a bum. I told her at least it is safe and a woman can easily travel alone. She agreed. She was on her way to see Paul Anka in Little Italy perform. She was very excited.

On the way home from our outing on Saturday we saw yet another elderly lady. She was standing over us as we were sitting. She noticed David keeping his eyes open for the express train. "the express train is really wonderful isn't it. I took it once from 14th Street and I was amazed at how quickly I got to 72nd. Its such a wonderful train" We agreed and smiled. Then we stopped at 72nd street, she said it was a pleasure meeting us, and proceeded to go out the door. But there were a couple of people in the way. Then the nice old lady changed. She changed to something entirely different- "GET THE HELL OUT OF THE DOOR. DON'T STAND IN THE WAY! GET OUT OF MY WAY!! MMMOOOOOVVVVEEEEE!!" Nice old lady was not so nice anymore.