If the summer turns out to be half as good as this past weekend, then I am in for a real treat! Not only was the weather perfect (70s, sunny), but the agenda couldn't have been more entertaining. Friday night was the Braves/Mets game, and I went with my friend Rich. We were able to secure $15 seats that weren't actually half bad. I was one of the only Braves fans in a sea of blue and orange, but I definitely stood proud. Thankfully we won, even though the game was quite close. It was your typical summer evening of baseball, complete with hamburgers, hot dogs and onion rings (all which cost more than the ticket to the game).
On Saturday, several people from the small group I attend arranged a trip to Governors Island to celebrate a few birthdays among us. Governors Island is just south east of the southern tip of Manhattan, and was once the home of the U.S. Army, followed by the U.S. Coast Guard. The island hasn't been inhabited since 1996, but was established as a national park accessible to the public in 2003. With over 150 acres of trees, gorgeous lawns and old homes, it made for the perfect retreat out of the city. We all rented bikes to explore the entire area, had a picnic and toured the homes and churches. I definitely plan to go back, as it is a free ferry ride from Manhattan (departs right next to the Staten Island Ferry). There are hammocks to hang out on, art festivals, concerts, trapeze lessons and a fabulous view of the Statue of Liberty and the financial district. The best part about it was that it had a very local vibe, and seemed to be somewhat removed from the overwhelming amount of tourists that invade the city this time of year. After the visit to the island, I had dinner with two fabulous girls from the trip at Chat 'N Chew, my favorite "comfort food" diner in Union Square. Next was my friend's ska concert at Webster Hall, and then home to bed!
Today I decided to venture out with my church attendance, and ended up at the Harlem church which was recommended to me by one of my best friends. It was a great morning of worship, and there was a very diverse crowd of people there from France, Germany, Italy, Russia and Brazil...and of course locals! My favorite part was the fact that the term "hooptie" was used. I haven't heard that word since referring to my 1991 blue Lumina that I drove all through high school. Following the service, I ate at Sylvia's right next door. This restaurant is apparently legendary in the Harlem community, and has been since 1962 when it was opened by it's South Carolina founder, and there was not a single table available. I chose to sit at the bar of the diner portion, and enjoyed an amazing meal of fried chicken, eggs, biscuits and sweet tea. I even saw a guy that I knew working there!!!!! I had met him leaving work one day on the train all the way downtown. What a small world! This afternoon I went to an old coworker's baby's first birthday party in Jersey City, NJ. Met a lot of great new people, and had the best red velvet cupcakes of my life. Now I just need a weekend to rest from my weekend!!!!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Confessions of a Cab Driver
I was so blessed to be able to spend Memorial Day weekend with family and friends in Atlanta. It truly was the perfect vacation, as I was able to see many people who I love. We had great weather, even better food, an entertaining golf game, a whip cream and chocolate cake fight and a mini high school reunion. It was really hard to leave yesterday, and I am already anticipating my next trip back.
When I landed at LGA, I was hoping to hop in a quick cab ride home to meet my friend Brenda for a very late dinner. However, the line to hail a cab was an hour long. I really didn't want to mess with the bus/subway combo it takes to get home, so I waited. And waited. And waited. Until finally it was my turn in line, and boy did I get lucky. Not only was the cab brand new, but my driver was quite the comedian and mentor. We weren't even out of the airport when he said something about him being "retarded" for losing money in a blackjack game. I'm not sure what he was thinking to himself, but right after he said it, came the loudest cackle I have ever heard in my life. I burst into laughter, as did he. I wasn't sure what he was laughing about, but I was certain I was laughing at him laughing.
As we made our way into Astoria, Queens on the way home, he was able to gain enough composure to give me a three point lesson on the keys to life. These nuggets of wisdom were not solicited, but rather offered as a complimentary perk to his shuttle service. Point number one: Health. This did not require much explanation on my part. Point number two: Respect for others. Again, I was following him to the tee. Point number three: Happiness. Okay, I needed his clarification on this one. What did he mean by happiness? He went on to say that you should never expect anything from anyone or anything...his words. This, he professed, was the key to being happy. Zero expectations. I had never really thought about it that way. Of course, I have my own thoughts on what truly brings happiness, which I still stand by. But I thought he made a valid point. He told me he was from Pakistan, and that his entire family still lived there. He had retired a few years back, but lost all of his money because of gambling. He was such a pleasant man, who was quite entertaining, and definitely worth the wait.
Today I had really sore shoulders from playing golf with dad yesterday, so I decided to randomly google "cheap massages in midtown manhattan." And boy, oh boy, did I find a gem. Lilly and Raul was the first place to come up in my search, and since they didn't have a website, I didn't even bother. However, after seeing the price list of all the other places, I decided to call and check out their reviews. Not only was their price $42 for one hour, they gave me the exact time I was asking for after work, and also the therapist who I had read so much about...Amy. It was actually only four blocks from my apartment too, which seemed surreal. When I got there, I quickly realized it was a "no frills" kind of place. As in no walls between the rooms...just curtains. Normally this would make someone nervous, but not me. I had survived the Gellert Spa in Budapest, Hungary where my toe nail was cut off, I had to bathe in a pool of about 100 naked women, and then have my rear end slapped by a massage therapist who was insulting me in Hungarian. THIS I could handle.
Lilly and Raul is run by Japenese women who practice the art of Tui-Na massage. My Amy was the tiniest of these women, so I had my doubts that she could really work out these kinks in my back and shoulders. However, once I laid down on the paper towel covered massage table (yep), she got to work. Let me just say that I have never in my life experienced as deep of a deep tissue massage as this one. There were moments when I couldn't breathe because there was so much pressure. But ole Amy...she was determined to rid me of this knotty existence. She would not quit. She persevered when most would've thrown in the towel and moved to my feet. At one point I was drooling. Thank goodness that my face was down and she didn't notice the spit slip through the face prop. I left feeling refreshed and ready to collapse. What a great way to end the day! Now, I just have to find a second job so I can afford to go on a weekly basis.
When I landed at LGA, I was hoping to hop in a quick cab ride home to meet my friend Brenda for a very late dinner. However, the line to hail a cab was an hour long. I really didn't want to mess with the bus/subway combo it takes to get home, so I waited. And waited. And waited. Until finally it was my turn in line, and boy did I get lucky. Not only was the cab brand new, but my driver was quite the comedian and mentor. We weren't even out of the airport when he said something about him being "retarded" for losing money in a blackjack game. I'm not sure what he was thinking to himself, but right after he said it, came the loudest cackle I have ever heard in my life. I burst into laughter, as did he. I wasn't sure what he was laughing about, but I was certain I was laughing at him laughing.
As we made our way into Astoria, Queens on the way home, he was able to gain enough composure to give me a three point lesson on the keys to life. These nuggets of wisdom were not solicited, but rather offered as a complimentary perk to his shuttle service. Point number one: Health. This did not require much explanation on my part. Point number two: Respect for others. Again, I was following him to the tee. Point number three: Happiness. Okay, I needed his clarification on this one. What did he mean by happiness? He went on to say that you should never expect anything from anyone or anything...his words. This, he professed, was the key to being happy. Zero expectations. I had never really thought about it that way. Of course, I have my own thoughts on what truly brings happiness, which I still stand by. But I thought he made a valid point. He told me he was from Pakistan, and that his entire family still lived there. He had retired a few years back, but lost all of his money because of gambling. He was such a pleasant man, who was quite entertaining, and definitely worth the wait.
Today I had really sore shoulders from playing golf with dad yesterday, so I decided to randomly google "cheap massages in midtown manhattan." And boy, oh boy, did I find a gem. Lilly and Raul was the first place to come up in my search, and since they didn't have a website, I didn't even bother. However, after seeing the price list of all the other places, I decided to call and check out their reviews. Not only was their price $42 for one hour, they gave me the exact time I was asking for after work, and also the therapist who I had read so much about...Amy. It was actually only four blocks from my apartment too, which seemed surreal. When I got there, I quickly realized it was a "no frills" kind of place. As in no walls between the rooms...just curtains. Normally this would make someone nervous, but not me. I had survived the Gellert Spa in Budapest, Hungary where my toe nail was cut off, I had to bathe in a pool of about 100 naked women, and then have my rear end slapped by a massage therapist who was insulting me in Hungarian. THIS I could handle.
Lilly and Raul is run by Japenese women who practice the art of Tui-Na massage. My Amy was the tiniest of these women, so I had my doubts that she could really work out these kinks in my back and shoulders. However, once I laid down on the paper towel covered massage table (yep), she got to work. Let me just say that I have never in my life experienced as deep of a deep tissue massage as this one. There were moments when I couldn't breathe because there was so much pressure. But ole Amy...she was determined to rid me of this knotty existence. She would not quit. She persevered when most would've thrown in the towel and moved to my feet. At one point I was drooling. Thank goodness that my face was down and she didn't notice the spit slip through the face prop. I left feeling refreshed and ready to collapse. What a great way to end the day! Now, I just have to find a second job so I can afford to go on a weekly basis.
Fleets of Strength
I have always thought of Christmas as being my favorite time of year...the presents, time with family, fake trees in your living room. I am always in the best of spirits during the holidays, but all of the cheer and excitement that accompanies Santa's season has been trumped by a recently discovered guilty pleasure. Fleet week. Instead of a jolly old man in a big red suit, I get dress blues pressed to perfection. Instead of a beard to decorate a face, I get high and tights all over the place. And instead of a sleigh parked on the roof, I get a gigantic ship docked at pier 88. The only similarity between the two times of year is how I run around in a frenzy, in such a state of jubilation, that I am screaming or passing out all over the place.
Fleet week is that time of year from the Wednesday before Memorial Day until the Wednesday after, where there are members of the United States Marine Corp, Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force docked at Pier 88 and spending the entire week on the island. They have performances, boat tours, and presentations. But the best part is the fact that this city is swarming with men in uniform, and you really do feel like a kid in a candy store. I don't know why I have such a fascination with military men. I attribute it to my grandfather being a Marine, and my dad making sure that we were raised knowing a lot about it. I certainly have a great respect for anyone who is willing to make that commitment. I decided to go exploring with a single girlfriend of mine, and we did well. Met some coast guard gentlemen the first night and Marines the second. They all have strict curfews, and are the greatest of gentlemen, so it was quite an enjoyable evening. We just let them tell their stories, tried on their hats and told them how proud we were of them. What a great experience!
Fleet week is that time of year from the Wednesday before Memorial Day until the Wednesday after, where there are members of the United States Marine Corp, Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force docked at Pier 88 and spending the entire week on the island. They have performances, boat tours, and presentations. But the best part is the fact that this city is swarming with men in uniform, and you really do feel like a kid in a candy store. I don't know why I have such a fascination with military men. I attribute it to my grandfather being a Marine, and my dad making sure that we were raised knowing a lot about it. I certainly have a great respect for anyone who is willing to make that commitment. I decided to go exploring with a single girlfriend of mine, and we did well. Met some coast guard gentlemen the first night and Marines the second. They all have strict curfews, and are the greatest of gentlemen, so it was quite an enjoyable evening. We just let them tell their stories, tried on their hats and told them how proud we were of them. What a great experience!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Another New York First
I went to see my first New York doctor today. I had no idea what to expect, especially once I found out that their office was located in the port authority bus terminal west of Times Square. I was referred to them by a coworker who did nothing but sing their praises, so I braved it. To my surprise, I was actually quite impressed. Before I was able to take a seat in the lobby and pick up the latest issue of Parents Today, they escorted me back to the exam room. Everyone was so friendly and accommodating, and I was out within half an hour. What type of doctor, you might ask. Dr. Steve Landman is a podiatrist, and I saw him because I officially have bunions. It runs in my family, but I was hoping to be that generation it skips. However, I've had some pain in my right foot and his suggestion was surgery. My first thought was "how am I going to fit my new D&G heels into that boot?" I may hold off until the end of the summer to do it though, because I cannot bare no beach for a month. So there you have it....I've been wearing a nighttime bunion stabilizer for a few weeks now...I already wear a mouth guard...no wonder I'm alone. (kidding)
I may have mentioned before that it is pretty common to see homeless people in subway cars asking for money in between stops. I also may have mentioned how I have had several encounters where I run into someone randomly in the city who I know. Today those two worlds collided, and I saw a homeless man I knew from a previous train ride on a completely different train at a completely different time of day. He's definitely easy to spot, because he reminds me of what I think Moses would have looked like if he would've been a sumo wrestler. As he passed my seat, I reached down to change the song on my ipod, and he thought I was reaching down for money. So..he lingered. Once I looked up, I panicked, and shouted..."oh no, I was just trying to find a different song." It was so awkward, but he graciously flipped over his cardboard sign to the opposite side that said "thank you" and gave me a thumbs up. If I ever see him again, I will do my best to not make a song change and find him some actually change instead.
Tomorrow night has been long anticipated, as it is the first official night of fleet week!!!!! My single girlfriend and I are planning to have dinner at the Delta Grill in Hells Kitchen (next to Times Square) so we can be available to serve as the welcoming committee for all the soldiers!!! All that we plan to do is look, possibly waive, maybe show some ankle if they get lucky...who knows, the world is our oyster!
I may have mentioned before that it is pretty common to see homeless people in subway cars asking for money in between stops. I also may have mentioned how I have had several encounters where I run into someone randomly in the city who I know. Today those two worlds collided, and I saw a homeless man I knew from a previous train ride on a completely different train at a completely different time of day. He's definitely easy to spot, because he reminds me of what I think Moses would have looked like if he would've been a sumo wrestler. As he passed my seat, I reached down to change the song on my ipod, and he thought I was reaching down for money. So..he lingered. Once I looked up, I panicked, and shouted..."oh no, I was just trying to find a different song." It was so awkward, but he graciously flipped over his cardboard sign to the opposite side that said "thank you" and gave me a thumbs up. If I ever see him again, I will do my best to not make a song change and find him some actually change instead.
Tomorrow night has been long anticipated, as it is the first official night of fleet week!!!!! My single girlfriend and I are planning to have dinner at the Delta Grill in Hells Kitchen (next to Times Square) so we can be available to serve as the welcoming committee for all the soldiers!!! All that we plan to do is look, possibly waive, maybe show some ankle if they get lucky...who knows, the world is our oyster!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Marley Monday
You know it's going to be a bad day when you wake up to the whistles and screams of protestors outside your window. I have no idea what their message was, except that they weren't winning any friends or followers with these barbaric tactics. I live really close to the United Nations, so this type of behavior in this area isn't unusual. It's just the first time it has served as an alternative to my alarm clock. Last week, I actually got (unintentionally) caught up in a protest/march against Mayor Bloomberg and his budget cuts. Thousands of people gathered downtown where I work, to march around Wall Street with their signs and whistles (who knew the whistle was such a powerful thing). Their proposition was that the bailed out banking institutions pay for the city's deficit. I was just trying to make it to my gym, and couldn't find a way to cross the street. So, I just jumped in, waded my way through them, all the while screaming something about Bloomberg being a boob. It was quite the rush.
Can we just talk about street etiquette for a minute? I know that I have mentioned this in previous posts, but since I spend most of my days walking around this city, it is a topic that is close to my heart. I believe they should divide each sidewalk into two lanes, fast and slow. For those people who just want to casually stroll around with their Starbucks, they should walk closest to either the building or the street. These people are typically tourists, but also may sometimes be New York residents who are either elderly, maimed or intoxicated. The interior lanes should be reserved for those of us who have places to be, and know where we are going. We do it on an escalator (slow to the right, fast to the left), so I seriously do not understand why this can't be adopted in other places. Also, I am considering wearing some type of protective armor while walking outdoors...or using a shield, perhaps. This way, when you get body slammed, you will not be as affected as the person who saw you coming plain as day, and refused to move into the plethora of space available to them.
Actually today was pretty standard, and ended up having some really fine moments. For example, when I was calling into a new company with a sales lead I had received, I had a little treat for me on the other end. The lady I had reached was hesitant to speak with me since it was a cold call, as people usually are. Before she had the chance to hang up, I said "If you don't mind me asking, where exactly are you from?" Maybe it was the fact that she sounded genuinely sorry that she didn't have the time to speak, or the fact that I heard her say "fixin", but I knew something was different about this woman. She paused, and then replied "Well...I'm from Brentwood, TN." I swear I almost jumped through the phone to hug her. We proceeded to talk for about half an hour, and are actually having lunch on Thursday. Also, we had a new guy start at work who is from Florida, but played football for Ole Miss. We had a great conversation about the SEC, and I think he would've been more impressed with my knowledge about it had I not been holding a Mississippi State cup (my roommate has a bunch). Regardless, it was a great day of connecting with people who don't think I sound ridiculous when I talk! The only other thing that gets me through the day on Mondays is my Bob Marley playlist. I like to refer to them as my "Marley Mondays."
Can we just talk about street etiquette for a minute? I know that I have mentioned this in previous posts, but since I spend most of my days walking around this city, it is a topic that is close to my heart. I believe they should divide each sidewalk into two lanes, fast and slow. For those people who just want to casually stroll around with their Starbucks, they should walk closest to either the building or the street. These people are typically tourists, but also may sometimes be New York residents who are either elderly, maimed or intoxicated. The interior lanes should be reserved for those of us who have places to be, and know where we are going. We do it on an escalator (slow to the right, fast to the left), so I seriously do not understand why this can't be adopted in other places. Also, I am considering wearing some type of protective armor while walking outdoors...or using a shield, perhaps. This way, when you get body slammed, you will not be as affected as the person who saw you coming plain as day, and refused to move into the plethora of space available to them.
Actually today was pretty standard, and ended up having some really fine moments. For example, when I was calling into a new company with a sales lead I had received, I had a little treat for me on the other end. The lady I had reached was hesitant to speak with me since it was a cold call, as people usually are. Before she had the chance to hang up, I said "If you don't mind me asking, where exactly are you from?" Maybe it was the fact that she sounded genuinely sorry that she didn't have the time to speak, or the fact that I heard her say "fixin", but I knew something was different about this woman. She paused, and then replied "Well...I'm from Brentwood, TN." I swear I almost jumped through the phone to hug her. We proceeded to talk for about half an hour, and are actually having lunch on Thursday. Also, we had a new guy start at work who is from Florida, but played football for Ole Miss. We had a great conversation about the SEC, and I think he would've been more impressed with my knowledge about it had I not been holding a Mississippi State cup (my roommate has a bunch). Regardless, it was a great day of connecting with people who don't think I sound ridiculous when I talk! The only other thing that gets me through the day on Mondays is my Bob Marley playlist. I like to refer to them as my "Marley Mondays."
Sunday, May 22, 2011
A Few of my Favorite Things
I just love The Sound of Music, and I have ever since I can remember. I must say that I am not a fan of musicals at all really, but that one has always been the exception. My grandmother used to have these curtains in her dining room that reminded me of the ones that Maria made play clothes out of for the children. I pulled those things over my head on more than one occasion and sang "My Favorite Things". When no one was around, I would sneak my mother's wedding dress out of the closet, put it on (age 8) and pretend I was marching down the aisle towards Captain Von Trapp. I also thought that Friedrich was cute, but that's another issue altogether.
Anyway, I have been thinking a lot about that song recently. I even made a list of my favorite things on a sticky note and plastered it to the wall in front of my desk. I look at it everyday and think of ways I can work in one of those areas on a regular basis. Out of the five items listed, one of them was music. I absolutely love music, and have a fairly diverse collection of it. I could sit for hours listening to it live, and I attribute that to my parents.
Before I was even born, my mom would go to my dad's shows quite frequently (he was and is a rock star). She tells me that I would go crazy in her belly, bouncing all over the place. After I was born and became a little girl, my first loves became Michael Jackson, Peter Gabriel and Huey Lewis and the News. I remember dancing around to their records, propping their album covers up on our couches and chairs, and running around kissing them. And of course there was an all girls band in our living room from the Fairview COC. I was always the drummer (aka pot and pan player).
Since moving to New York, I have been very lucky to be able to see some fantastic shows. Although these artists tour all over the country, they will always come to New York, so it seems like there is a never-ending line up of my favorites. It has been quite taxing on my credit card, but worth every penny. NeedtoBreathe, Amos Lee, and the Allman Brothers got me through the winter months. Now I can look forward to Kings of Leon, Jonny Lang, the American Idol tour (don't judge me) and hopefully Pearl Jam...not to mention all the free shows in the park!
Not only are the mainstream artists something to look forward to, but the local ones as well. Last night I went with some girlfriends to the Red Lion. It is a restaurant/bar/music venue in the west village, and has always had such impressive talent. They have no cover, which makes it unique and right up my alley. It was a duo of these guys from Ireland and Italy. The lead singer sounded just like Eddie Vedder and was Irish from head to toe. His lead guitarist was absolutely unbelievable. The top of his head didn't even quite touch my shoulder (he was not a "little person"), and his faces were quite entertaining to watch. I just wanted to put him in my pocket.
My other favorite things include acting/theater, travel, event planning, and working with the elderly. Hopefully one day I'll be able to land a job in one of these areas, because every time I think about them, I get excited!
Anyway, I have been thinking a lot about that song recently. I even made a list of my favorite things on a sticky note and plastered it to the wall in front of my desk. I look at it everyday and think of ways I can work in one of those areas on a regular basis. Out of the five items listed, one of them was music. I absolutely love music, and have a fairly diverse collection of it. I could sit for hours listening to it live, and I attribute that to my parents.
Before I was even born, my mom would go to my dad's shows quite frequently (he was and is a rock star). She tells me that I would go crazy in her belly, bouncing all over the place. After I was born and became a little girl, my first loves became Michael Jackson, Peter Gabriel and Huey Lewis and the News. I remember dancing around to their records, propping their album covers up on our couches and chairs, and running around kissing them. And of course there was an all girls band in our living room from the Fairview COC. I was always the drummer (aka pot and pan player).
Since moving to New York, I have been very lucky to be able to see some fantastic shows. Although these artists tour all over the country, they will always come to New York, so it seems like there is a never-ending line up of my favorites. It has been quite taxing on my credit card, but worth every penny. NeedtoBreathe, Amos Lee, and the Allman Brothers got me through the winter months. Now I can look forward to Kings of Leon, Jonny Lang, the American Idol tour (don't judge me) and hopefully Pearl Jam...not to mention all the free shows in the park!
Not only are the mainstream artists something to look forward to, but the local ones as well. Last night I went with some girlfriends to the Red Lion. It is a restaurant/bar/music venue in the west village, and has always had such impressive talent. They have no cover, which makes it unique and right up my alley. It was a duo of these guys from Ireland and Italy. The lead singer sounded just like Eddie Vedder and was Irish from head to toe. His lead guitarist was absolutely unbelievable. The top of his head didn't even quite touch my shoulder (he was not a "little person"), and his faces were quite entertaining to watch. I just wanted to put him in my pocket.
My other favorite things include acting/theater, travel, event planning, and working with the elderly. Hopefully one day I'll be able to land a job in one of these areas, because every time I think about them, I get excited!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
My New York Crackhead Cowboy
My Time Out New York magazine came today, and I cannot express how excited I am to have access to the summer's complete line up of concerts and movies at my fingertips. I literally ripped the calendar from the interior of the magazine and posted it on my refrigerator. Summer is one of my favorite times of the year for this very reason...that and the fact that I can get a tan most any day of the week and not look like Powder. I have been bold enough over the last few weeks to wear skirts without tights. On my commute to work, I take one look at my bare legs, shriek in horror and wish I would've thrown in a pair of Legs for good measure. Maybe it's bad lighting...maybe I'm a Cullen...it's hard to say. Even though the weather is still in the 60's here, we have had a few good days that give me hope of sunshine and warmth. I shouldn't complain about the cool weather, because I plan to go to Vegas for July 4. I'm sure I will fry like an egg.
Feeling very grateful tonight for the recent development in friendships with some fabulous women that I have met through my small group here. I had dinner with one tonight at Brother Jimmys, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to eat in the city. I think the owners must be from North Carolina, because there is Tar Heel paraphernalia everywhere. It's the best bar-b-que in the city, and comes with your choice of sweet potato fries, baked beans, fried pickles, fried green tomatoes, cole slaw and of course....sweet tea! The music played is southern rock, and they give a 25% discount on Wednesdays to anyone with a southern I.D. It's pretty much paradise.
Hayli and I had a fabulous dinner, and what was even more enjoyable was our conversational topic. We both recently completed the Daniel Fast, and were so impressed with how effective the process was, that we have collectively decided to adopt the principles in another area of our lives...dating. It is not as difficult to be a single woman in New York as it seemed to be for both of us back home (she is from Texas), but it still is an issue that consumes our thoughts more than we would like. Given our mutual desire to eliminate this distraction from our lives, we are in the process of deciding on an appropriate time frame in which to refrain from dating. Whether it be six months or one year, I feel like this will be a productive use of time for both of us.
It would be wrong of me to complete this post and not mention the jewel of a man I saw on the train on Monday. I was taking the 4/5 up after a visit to Brooklyn during rush hour, so needless to say, it was packed. There was a gentleman sitting across from me who appeared to be on crack. A sweet man, but a crackhead, nonetheless. He was so jittery and kept offering his seat to women as they would board the train. When he finally sat down, he looked straight at me (bare in mind, I have my ipod on) and screamed "Hey you...Smile! It ain't that bad. You know why it ain't that bad...because you ain't dead." Well, Mr. Rhinestone Cowboy (he was wearing a cowboy hat with these words across the top) I thought, you are right. So I did what any good natured southern woman would do, and I smiled. I was hoping this would be enough to pacify him, but no, no...he continued on with his conversation. He told me that money would not make me happy, and that he had more money than anyone on the train. He also told me not to get married, because my husband would just cheat on me. He said "I have two wives, and six children between them. They both know that if I see an attractive woman, I'm not holding back." I didn't know what to do...look down...look up...look at my Blackberry. Everyone was watching me for a reaction, but all I could do is nod. I learned so much that day on the 4 train. So much about life...so much about love...so much about the long term effects of crack cocaine. I will treasure that memory forever.
Feeling very grateful tonight for the recent development in friendships with some fabulous women that I have met through my small group here. I had dinner with one tonight at Brother Jimmys, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to eat in the city. I think the owners must be from North Carolina, because there is Tar Heel paraphernalia everywhere. It's the best bar-b-que in the city, and comes with your choice of sweet potato fries, baked beans, fried pickles, fried green tomatoes, cole slaw and of course....sweet tea! The music played is southern rock, and they give a 25% discount on Wednesdays to anyone with a southern I.D. It's pretty much paradise.
Hayli and I had a fabulous dinner, and what was even more enjoyable was our conversational topic. We both recently completed the Daniel Fast, and were so impressed with how effective the process was, that we have collectively decided to adopt the principles in another area of our lives...dating. It is not as difficult to be a single woman in New York as it seemed to be for both of us back home (she is from Texas), but it still is an issue that consumes our thoughts more than we would like. Given our mutual desire to eliminate this distraction from our lives, we are in the process of deciding on an appropriate time frame in which to refrain from dating. Whether it be six months or one year, I feel like this will be a productive use of time for both of us.
It would be wrong of me to complete this post and not mention the jewel of a man I saw on the train on Monday. I was taking the 4/5 up after a visit to Brooklyn during rush hour, so needless to say, it was packed. There was a gentleman sitting across from me who appeared to be on crack. A sweet man, but a crackhead, nonetheless. He was so jittery and kept offering his seat to women as they would board the train. When he finally sat down, he looked straight at me (bare in mind, I have my ipod on) and screamed "Hey you...Smile! It ain't that bad. You know why it ain't that bad...because you ain't dead." Well, Mr. Rhinestone Cowboy (he was wearing a cowboy hat with these words across the top) I thought, you are right. So I did what any good natured southern woman would do, and I smiled. I was hoping this would be enough to pacify him, but no, no...he continued on with his conversation. He told me that money would not make me happy, and that he had more money than anyone on the train. He also told me not to get married, because my husband would just cheat on me. He said "I have two wives, and six children between them. They both know that if I see an attractive woman, I'm not holding back." I didn't know what to do...look down...look up...look at my Blackberry. Everyone was watching me for a reaction, but all I could do is nod. I learned so much that day on the 4 train. So much about life...so much about love...so much about the long term effects of crack cocaine. I will treasure that memory forever.
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