Well, since our flight home got canceled, we're just sitting around with the sweet kitty enjoying a bottle of wine and this total NON-blizzard (way to go, weather people. Seriously.) And since it's not even 8:00 and we've already been in our pajamas for hours, have watched TV and a movie, and have finished that bottle of wine, there really is no better time to report on the ridiculous holiday party schedule I've been maintaining these past few weeks. I'm telling you- it is hard work having to actually go out! And drink too many cocktails! And chit-chat with too many people!
Our three weeks of between Thanksgiving and Christmas detox and exercise began to unravel the first week of December with my office holiday party. I had some major doubts abut this party, for several very important reasons: #1- it was at the office. #2- the decorations were hand colored by the party planning committee in true The Office style. #3, and by far the worst of the worst- there were party games planned. Turns out, though, that party was great! Being at the office instead of a crowded bar meant that we all had a seat AND could hear each other talk. The hand-crafted decorations (which turned out to be a timeline of the last decade, which, according to said timeline, really seemed to suck.) And, I totally ROCKED that party game- We got second place! Most importantly, there was the world's most delicious champagne punch, and it kept finding its way into my cup.
And so, Hangover season began. Apparently, I'm getting too old to live like a rock star.
Next came Eric's office holiday party, which was held at the very fancy University Club. I'm really surprised that riffraff like us are even allowed in there, but they seemed to make an exception as long as you were wearing a suit and swore that you would not even think about using your cell phone. That party was extremely fun despite itself- the sub-par food was far outshone by our raucous kids table and the freely flowing cocktails.
And yet, was that enough to satisfy us? Of course not! We were out on the town! And the Whiskey Trader was right across the street!
So, joined by Eric's boss, we very stupidly continued the party well into the evening at that fine establishment. Let's just say, that Saturday was not the most productive...
Ah, but we couldn't rest long, for that evening, we had yet another holiday party to attend. Our friends Jeff and Jessica from NYU just got engaged and were hosting a party to celebrate the holidays and to show off Jess' ring :) Luckily for us, we actually used our Mastered brains that night, and abstained from holiday libations.
It doesn't stop there though, my friends. Last Sunday was the most important party yet, because that was the day that Paul and I returned to our roots- The Broadway Party. Paul is now assistant conductor for A Little Night Music starring, oh I don't know, some small-time actors they call Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury.
So, we went to opening night and got the royal treatment (meaning the very last row in the corner. Sweet!) and then were lucky enough to go to Tavern on the Green for The Big Party. It was, of course, fantastic, but, between us (and Paul), it was no Grey Gardens Party. Those parties spoiled us for life.
Unfortunately, we were not cool enough to go to the real fancy party- apparently only Catherine and Angela, their movie star friends, and the extremely rich people that paid for them were allowed in THAT party. We were stuck in the back with the help. Of course, by "the help" I'm talking about the CAST (soooooooooo not important to the success of a Broadway show), the orchestra, and the crew. It was still great, and even though I TECHNICALLY did not party with movie stars, I still say I did.
And I also did not get home until almost 2 am. On a school night!
Fortunately (both for my sanity and my liver), I was able to take a couple of nights off this week. Then on Thursday, my boss threw a lovely, quaint cocktail party for us at his apartment. As I said, it was lovely and quaint and should NOT have been a reason to stay out until almost midnight. But, apparently my co-workers are a little too fun and make me stop using my brain, and I did stay out quite late. At least Grandma and Grandpa got what I can only assume was an extremely amusing phone call at the end of the evening...
And then, blessedly, it was Friday- the last day of work, and what I thought to be a final, sweet day of rest before heading to Colorado for The Real Party. But, luckily for EVERYONE (hello, sarcasm!), the National Weather Center predicted the storm of the century and Delta canceled all their flights from here to Miami nearly 24 hours before the first flakes were even supposed to fall. Some call that preparation. I call that panic. And a fairly large loss of money (for the airline and their lovely customers). We've managed to book a new flight for tomorrow night, so cross all your fingers!
Although it is sad and a bit distressing to not be home right now, I have to admit that this isn't so bad- a last night with our tiny Christmas tree, our sweet, very happy to not yet be abandoned kitty, and a (very, very) gently falling snow to usher in the holiday.
But, tomorrow-- Colorado or BUST!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Monday, December 07, 2009
Sweeeeeet.
I just noticed my zipper has been down ALL day.
Nice.
The only saving grace is that I haven't had any meetings or presentations today, so maybe no one noticed? Pretty please?
Nice.
The only saving grace is that I haven't had any meetings or presentations today, so maybe no one noticed? Pretty please?
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Survivor
And by "survivor", I'm of course describing myself, since I lived to tell the tale my first cavity filling at the dentist this week.
Aren't I brave?
My track record on all things related to doctors, dentists, needles, or anything remotely resembling a medical procedure is not good. Pretty much each encounter over the past, oh I don't know, 26 years has ended in sobbing, kicking, screaming, or fainting. So you can see why I was less than pleased to learn at my dentist appointment last month that I not only had GUM DISEASE (completely sick- let's not even talk about that), but also had A CAVITY.
(very, very dramatic pause)
And having a cavity meant that I had to face one of my biggest fears:
A needle. Filled with Novocaine. Jammed into my sweet (though apparently sickly) and sensitive gums.
POOR ME!
I finally convinced Eric that he had to come with me for THE DREADED PROCEDURE, despite his insistence that I was strong and brave enough to handle this on my own. After all, he said, I manage to face my job each day, and it takes a mighty brave person to do that. True, I said, but I'm still the world's biggest baby and I'm filled to the brim with terror and you don't even KNOW what's going to happen to me if you don't come and WAAAAAAHHHHH!
It went something like that.
And so, he came with me to hold my hand. So nice of him.
After two entire dread-filled weeks, I faced my Worst Day Ever (I once thought that the day I had jury duty was the Worst Day Ever. Turns out, jury duty is pretty great, especially when compared to the dentist. You can see my calendar for proof that I did, in fact, deem both of these days "The Worst Day Ever"). As soon as I walked in, the staff at the dentist's saw they were dealing with a Special Case, and from that point on it was as though I had a big fat "Handle With Care" sticker on my face.
But, the good news is that, because I was seen as Fragile Goods, I really got the royal treatment and was so, so brave (the dentist AND nurses even said so!) I didn't kick ANYONE, nor did I faint, and I only cried a little! I mean a lot! But it was only crying! Not biting, spitting, or yelling!
And now here I am, three days later, still extremely proud of myself and still acting the part of the sick patient (mostly by whining if I accidentally chew on my left side. Not sure if I'll ever chew on that side again. Way too risky) If you remember when I got my wisdom teeth out, this is really a major improvement. GO ME!
In other news, we put up our Christmas tree this week, and Tucky is pretty sure that we've planted a tree that grows toys just for her. It's like the greatest thing she can imagine- a bowl full of water in the middle of the room that she can drink AND a tree full of shiny toys. So, on this cold Saturday with a "wintry mix" falling from the sky, we're sitting enjoying our little tree and drinking some Peach Flips as one last ode to nice weather. This is the life.
Aren't I brave?
My track record on all things related to doctors, dentists, needles, or anything remotely resembling a medical procedure is not good. Pretty much each encounter over the past, oh I don't know, 26 years has ended in sobbing, kicking, screaming, or fainting. So you can see why I was less than pleased to learn at my dentist appointment last month that I not only had GUM DISEASE (completely sick- let's not even talk about that), but also had A CAVITY.
(very, very dramatic pause)
And having a cavity meant that I had to face one of my biggest fears:
A needle. Filled with Novocaine. Jammed into my sweet (though apparently sickly) and sensitive gums.
POOR ME!
I finally convinced Eric that he had to come with me for THE DREADED PROCEDURE, despite his insistence that I was strong and brave enough to handle this on my own. After all, he said, I manage to face my job each day, and it takes a mighty brave person to do that. True, I said, but I'm still the world's biggest baby and I'm filled to the brim with terror and you don't even KNOW what's going to happen to me if you don't come and WAAAAAAHHHHH!
It went something like that.
And so, he came with me to hold my hand. So nice of him.
After two entire dread-filled weeks, I faced my Worst Day Ever (I once thought that the day I had jury duty was the Worst Day Ever. Turns out, jury duty is pretty great, especially when compared to the dentist. You can see my calendar for proof that I did, in fact, deem both of these days "The Worst Day Ever"). As soon as I walked in, the staff at the dentist's saw they were dealing with a Special Case, and from that point on it was as though I had a big fat "Handle With Care" sticker on my face.
But, the good news is that, because I was seen as Fragile Goods, I really got the royal treatment and was so, so brave (the dentist AND nurses even said so!) I didn't kick ANYONE, nor did I faint, and I only cried a little! I mean a lot! But it was only crying! Not biting, spitting, or yelling!
And now here I am, three days later, still extremely proud of myself and still acting the part of the sick patient (mostly by whining if I accidentally chew on my left side. Not sure if I'll ever chew on that side again. Way too risky) If you remember when I got my wisdom teeth out, this is really a major improvement. GO ME!
In other news, we put up our Christmas tree this week, and Tucky is pretty sure that we've planted a tree that grows toys just for her. It's like the greatest thing she can imagine- a bowl full of water in the middle of the room that she can drink AND a tree full of shiny toys. So, on this cold Saturday with a "wintry mix" falling from the sky, we're sitting enjoying our little tree and drinking some Peach Flips as one last ode to nice weather. This is the life.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Halloween, Part 1
Halloween, and the days leading up to it, have got to be some of the most hilarious days in the city. You just never know who, or what, will come around the corner. Although people get away with outrageous outfits every day of the year, the get-ups people wear, so very casually, around Halloween never cease to make you laugh.
Overall, it seems that this year's costumes are not as high on the sexy scale- I'm not holding my breath in hopes to see a Sexy Marshmallow or anything like that this year. So far, I've seen the following wandering the streets as if it was a normal thing to do: Tinker Bell, Mr. Green from Clue, a giant Elf complete with pointy shoes and a long white beard (those three were all in Starbucks), the entire gang from Mad Men (this will be the most popular group costume this year- mark my words), an undercover cop (good one, huh? Easiest costume ever!) and a giggling posse of a Sexy Nurse, Sexy Witch, Sexy Maid, and Sexy Wonder Woman running to catch the bus (I didn't say sexy costumes were GONE this year...)
And this was all yesterday ! Who knows what will be wandering the streets tonight...A follow up report to come- IF we decide to brave the city on one the most ridiculous, drunken nights of the year to witness the debauchery...
Overall, it seems that this year's costumes are not as high on the sexy scale- I'm not holding my breath in hopes to see a Sexy Marshmallow or anything like that this year. So far, I've seen the following wandering the streets as if it was a normal thing to do: Tinker Bell, Mr. Green from Clue, a giant Elf complete with pointy shoes and a long white beard (those three were all in Starbucks), the entire gang from Mad Men (this will be the most popular group costume this year- mark my words), an undercover cop (good one, huh? Easiest costume ever!) and a giggling posse of a Sexy Nurse, Sexy Witch, Sexy Maid, and Sexy Wonder Woman running to catch the bus (I didn't say sexy costumes were GONE this year...)
And this was all yesterday ! Who knows what will be wandering the streets tonight...A follow up report to come- IF we decide to brave the city on one the most ridiculous, drunken nights of the year to witness the debauchery...
Monday, October 26, 2009
Recent Sightings, Second Edition
And now for some less ridiculous and much more real sightings.
First, I spent a week hanging with the Swaziland delegation here for the U.N. And by "hanging with" I mean I walked past all of their cars and drivers each day on my way to work. They were all staying at the Mandarin Oriental across the street from my office, and, I'll tell you what, their drivers seemed like a great crowd. So I bet that the actual delegation (those from Swaziland and elsewhere) were pretty great too. And you KNOW how I feel about political scientists.
LOVE them!
In the park, back in September when it was actually fall not winter, we spent an afternoon sitting on a bench next to the Park Bench Philosophers. This is a group of old-ish men who spend their weekends in Central Park brown-bagging it with Coors Lite, discussing all of life's greatest questions, and making fun of people that pass by. Our kind of people.
One such passer-by was a dude with so much hair that he had to carry it around in a garbage bag slung over his shoulder. As he approached, we were like "Awesome. Another guy carrying around a bag of trash." But then he got closer and it was clear that the bag was in fact full of the hair still growing out of his head.
It really doesn't get much better than that.
First, I spent a week hanging with the Swaziland delegation here for the U.N. And by "hanging with" I mean I walked past all of their cars and drivers each day on my way to work. They were all staying at the Mandarin Oriental across the street from my office, and, I'll tell you what, their drivers seemed like a great crowd. So I bet that the actual delegation (those from Swaziland and elsewhere) were pretty great too. And you KNOW how I feel about political scientists.
LOVE them!
In the park, back in September when it was actually fall not winter, we spent an afternoon sitting on a bench next to the Park Bench Philosophers. This is a group of old-ish men who spend their weekends in Central Park brown-bagging it with Coors Lite, discussing all of life's greatest questions, and making fun of people that pass by. Our kind of people.
One such passer-by was a dude with so much hair that he had to carry it around in a garbage bag slung over his shoulder. As he approached, we were like "Awesome. Another guy carrying around a bag of trash." But then he got closer and it was clear that the bag was in fact full of the hair still growing out of his head.
It really doesn't get much better than that.
Monday, October 19, 2009
A Raw Deal
Brace yourselves- this is another All You Can Eat Sushi tale. If the last horrifying recounts of absurd amounts of uncooked fish, seaweed, and sake left you feeling squeamish, you are not alone. I, too, required many months of recovery time before I dared to allow another piece of spicy tuna to pass through my lips. And don't even SAY the word sake or I can pretty much guarantee I will throw up on you.
Fear not- this sushi adventure was much less overwhelming and, basically, was just much... less. But (isn't there always a but?) I am ashamed to say that it wasn't smooth sailing. I made what every All You Can Eat Sushi afficionado would call "The Rookie Mistake."
Everything started just great- we were bopping right along, Eric munching politely on his teeny cucumber rolls and me stuffing my face with Fancy, Fancy Rolls. And it was all just extremely tasty! So OF COURSE after round 1 I HAD to order a round 2. I mean, hello, it was ALL YOU CAN EAT. Why can I never just leave well enough alone? I mean really, it's not like I was competing against Paul this time. I already had Avocado Boy beat at this meal.
But, alas, I decided to order 2 more rolls. And I picked the innocent enough sounding Y2K and Spider rolls.
And then the horror show began.
What arrived in front of me was 16 pieces of the largest sushi I had ever seen. Both were approximately the diameter of my fist and both were enclosed in mountains of rice. And one of them was wrapped in HOT PINK SEAWEED. Not joking. My sushi was neon. I took one bite, and suddenly, I was so very, very full. And these rolls were not so very good. And yet, I had 15 pieces to go.
Here's where we get to "The Rookie Mistake"- you see, before my Spiders and neon Y2K's arrived, I was feeling so confident and smug. Like, now I know the secret, just order a couple at a time and get hand rolls because it's the rice that kills you and I'm so smart and so good at eating contests and this is so great and blah blah blah. Stupid, stupid girl. Your sushi was COVERED IN RICE. Oh, and it was NEON.
15 pieces to go, and gag reflex firmly in place, and you're not feeling so confident anymore, are you?
I choked down a few more pieces, and I knew this was getting serious. After all, I had never failed an eating contest, and certainly not at All You Can Eat sushi. I mean, I didn't even know what they did to you if you couldn't finish but I knew it really could not be good.
So, I brought in the big guns: Eric.
I bet you didn't see that coming, did you?
Yes, Eric, my dear sweet vegetable loving Eric, took one (actually two!) for the team and ate two of my not-tasty-at-all-and-if-I-have-to-eat-those-I-will-vom-or-at-least-cry Spider rolls. He soaked them in soy sauce for approximately five minutes, but he did it. And didn't even cry or vomit.
By then, I was down to about 8 rolls and I was seriously considering Failure. I could hear Paul's laughter in my head, wondering how I got myself into this, even as I attempted to swallow bite after bite after bite. Eventually, I made my way down to 3 and was ready to accept the Big Fat Fail.
Oh the shame...
So, because my competitive spirit cannot be stifled by an eager gag reflex, I rallied. With Eric cheering me on and taking pictures and mocking my pain, I pushed through and willed myself to swallow that last bite of tuna wrapped in neon seaweed. Out of the goodness of her heart, the waitress did not force me to eat the last piece of shrimp on my plate, and, thank goodness, because that would have been the end of me.
End of story- my All You Can Eat Sushi dignity is still intact- barely. We still don't know what the Penalty is for failing at this game though. Do you have to wash dishes? Do they charge you for a second All You Can Eat dinner? Or is it just the humiliation of having the cute little Japanese people point and laugh at you because you were stupid enough to order that much sushi rice and tempura shrimp?
I'm going to guess that last one is a given, even if you don't fail...
Fear not- this sushi adventure was much less overwhelming and, basically, was just much... less. But (isn't there always a but?) I am ashamed to say that it wasn't smooth sailing. I made what every All You Can Eat Sushi afficionado would call "The Rookie Mistake."
Everything started just great- we were bopping right along, Eric munching politely on his teeny cucumber rolls and me stuffing my face with Fancy, Fancy Rolls. And it was all just extremely tasty! So OF COURSE after round 1 I HAD to order a round 2. I mean, hello, it was ALL YOU CAN EAT. Why can I never just leave well enough alone? I mean really, it's not like I was competing against Paul this time. I already had Avocado Boy beat at this meal.
But, alas, I decided to order 2 more rolls. And I picked the innocent enough sounding Y2K and Spider rolls.
And then the horror show began.
What arrived in front of me was 16 pieces of the largest sushi I had ever seen. Both were approximately the diameter of my fist and both were enclosed in mountains of rice. And one of them was wrapped in HOT PINK SEAWEED. Not joking. My sushi was neon. I took one bite, and suddenly, I was so very, very full. And these rolls were not so very good. And yet, I had 15 pieces to go.
Here's where we get to "The Rookie Mistake"- you see, before my Spiders and neon Y2K's arrived, I was feeling so confident and smug. Like, now I know the secret, just order a couple at a time and get hand rolls because it's the rice that kills you and I'm so smart and so good at eating contests and this is so great and blah blah blah. Stupid, stupid girl. Your sushi was COVERED IN RICE. Oh, and it was NEON.
15 pieces to go, and gag reflex firmly in place, and you're not feeling so confident anymore, are you?
I choked down a few more pieces, and I knew this was getting serious. After all, I had never failed an eating contest, and certainly not at All You Can Eat sushi. I mean, I didn't even know what they did to you if you couldn't finish but I knew it really could not be good.
So, I brought in the big guns: Eric.
I bet you didn't see that coming, did you?
Yes, Eric, my dear sweet vegetable loving Eric, took one (actually two!) for the team and ate two of my not-tasty-at-all-and-if-I-have-to-eat-those-I-will-vom-or-at-least-cry Spider rolls. He soaked them in soy sauce for approximately five minutes, but he did it. And didn't even cry or vomit.
By then, I was down to about 8 rolls and I was seriously considering Failure. I could hear Paul's laughter in my head, wondering how I got myself into this, even as I attempted to swallow bite after bite after bite. Eventually, I made my way down to 3 and was ready to accept the Big Fat Fail.
Oh the shame...
So, because my competitive spirit cannot be stifled by an eager gag reflex, I rallied. With Eric cheering me on and taking pictures and mocking my pain, I pushed through and willed myself to swallow that last bite of tuna wrapped in neon seaweed. Out of the goodness of her heart, the waitress did not force me to eat the last piece of shrimp on my plate, and, thank goodness, because that would have been the end of me.
End of story- my All You Can Eat Sushi dignity is still intact- barely. We still don't know what the Penalty is for failing at this game though. Do you have to wash dishes? Do they charge you for a second All You Can Eat dinner? Or is it just the humiliation of having the cute little Japanese people point and laugh at you because you were stupid enough to order that much sushi rice and tempura shrimp?
I'm going to guess that last one is a given, even if you don't fail...
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Recent Sightings
Like the previous 9 months of this year, October is passing us by in a flash. It has brought what seems to be an early winter (the first Nor'easter of the season is upon us right now, but so far it's a pretty lame one.) While Eric is the one crying about putting his shorts away for the year, I'm the one who actually seems to be resisting the change in weather the most. Case in point- last week most of the city busted out their heavy duty winter clothes. Instead of t-shirts and shorts, everyone was suddenly decked out in in Northface and Uggs (a little extreme for 45 degrees, if you ask me). I, on the other hand, decided the best thing to do would be to wear a dress and flip flops (and a scarf, for warmth, duh.) NOT SMART. VERY COLD.
Speaking of cold weather, last Monday was a day off (HALLELUJAH! COLUMBUS DAY!). Because of said non-warm weather, I spent most of the day curled up with my favorite furry friend. I did, however, venture outside because rumor had it that they were filming the second Sex and the City movie just up the street! Though you'd think I would be completely unfazed by this now that I live in the big, exciting city (you mean another film crew? Please, give me something more exciting than that), obviously, this was not to be missed. So I half-bundled up and set out into the brisk and freezing wind. Sure enough, the streets around Lincoln Center were packed with movie trailers and clusters of paparazzi were huddled on corners, cameras in tow.
At last! I had actually stumbled onto a movie set where I might see someone famous! But, despite the Hollywood lot surroundings, there were no skinny, beautiful, heavily made-up starlets in sight. So then I was forced to make a big decision- should I keep my hand tightly clenched on my camera and pal around with the paparrazzi, waiting all day in the cold to take a picture of SJP, like some kind of crazed fan (which I may actually be, somewhere very, very deep down inside), or do I behave rationally and go back home to my nice cat and warm apartment?
It really was a tough choice, and I'm not even kidding.
But, in the end, normal behavior won out, and I circled the block for one last hope of a glimpse of TV's most famous foursome, and then headed back home- satisfied that I had tried to be a crazed fan, but held myself back for the sake of remaining a respectable person. I did see Pat Field, who designs all their ridiculous costumes, smoking a cigarette and yelling at someone on the phone, and I saw a lot of limos by the Empire Hotel, AND I saw very skinny, beautiful, heavily made-up people dressed in ridiculous fashions filming inside PJ Clarke's. I couldn't see faces, but I know they were in there, so actually I pretty much was part of the action.
Totally successful Columbus Day, I say.
Speaking of cold weather, last Monday was a day off (HALLELUJAH! COLUMBUS DAY!). Because of said non-warm weather, I spent most of the day curled up with my favorite furry friend. I did, however, venture outside because rumor had it that they were filming the second Sex and the City movie just up the street! Though you'd think I would be completely unfazed by this now that I live in the big, exciting city (you mean another film crew? Please, give me something more exciting than that), obviously, this was not to be missed. So I half-bundled up and set out into the brisk and freezing wind. Sure enough, the streets around Lincoln Center were packed with movie trailers and clusters of paparazzi were huddled on corners, cameras in tow.
At last! I had actually stumbled onto a movie set where I might see someone famous! But, despite the Hollywood lot surroundings, there were no skinny, beautiful, heavily made-up starlets in sight. So then I was forced to make a big decision- should I keep my hand tightly clenched on my camera and pal around with the paparrazzi, waiting all day in the cold to take a picture of SJP, like some kind of crazed fan (which I may actually be, somewhere very, very deep down inside), or do I behave rationally and go back home to my nice cat and warm apartment?
It really was a tough choice, and I'm not even kidding.
But, in the end, normal behavior won out, and I circled the block for one last hope of a glimpse of TV's most famous foursome, and then headed back home- satisfied that I had tried to be a crazed fan, but held myself back for the sake of remaining a respectable person. I did see Pat Field, who designs all their ridiculous costumes, smoking a cigarette and yelling at someone on the phone, and I saw a lot of limos by the Empire Hotel, AND I saw very skinny, beautiful, heavily made-up people dressed in ridiculous fashions filming inside PJ Clarke's. I couldn't see faces, but I know they were in there, so actually I pretty much was part of the action.
Totally successful Columbus Day, I say.
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