Grey is the New Black

In my older, less angst-filled days, I've been moving away from the ubiquitous black of the New Wave listening Asians and towards bright colors and to complement the bright colors with less harsh contrast, grey. I like pairing grey with electric blue, fuchsia, YELLOW! Yellow and grey are my new favorite combo. I saw it on Top Design and my boss' sweater. I have beautiful cashmere snap cardigan from L, grey wool dress from JCrew, grey suit from Zara, patent leather grey ballet flats from Target and the new grey and black spectator pumps from Tahari.

In class, I fell in love with my friend's grey Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Grovee shoulder bag (see, it's convertible!). Due to the nature of the economy and M's decree, "No more bags!" I will have to forgo Marc Jacobs even if it is from his lower price point line Marc by Marc Jacobs (there has got to be a cheaper version). I did get the grey twill pants to the left (junior's size with junior's prices at Alloy!) and the fabulous feather headband. I saw a woman on the subway with a fabulous feather headband and have been dying to get one. I think I've also been influenced by the bitchy but so cute Kenly on Project Runway. I had previously sworn off headbands as not being age appropriate but my 1 tortoise-shell skinny headband has grown to 4 skinny headbands plus feather head band! The skinny ones don't pinch as badly as headbands I've had in the past and it is so nice to hold back frizzies when hair is in a low ponytail or loose bun. And hell, what do I care if people think I'm younger than I really am. Like Doris' favorite store, "Forever 21!"

Red Mango is OPEN!

For all you dairy eaters, the Red Mango opened in Palisades Park. Friends of mine have said it is their favorite Korean froyo place - even over Pinkberry. Something about it being smoother with less ice crystals. Another person said that all of these new froyo places sprouting up have less than 14% yogurt. Since I can't eat the stuff, you tell me.

S Factor: 2.5

Today's Song: What You Know, T.I.

It's hard to believe that I have 3 classes left of level two and then on to level three! A bunch of my old friends from level 1 were in class for make-up. We learned a fun new strip. This was pole week which is the middle class where you spend a lot of time on the pole and taking each spin to a new level: other arm, one arm, one leg, combos. I love the climb but practically slid down because my bootie shorts were too long! Sorry, M, we are going to have to go shorter!

I'm feeling really strong. Did my 12 push-ups, pole pull-ups, climbed up the pole, no problem. Next week: upside down!

Commercial break: Intro classes are half price through 10/30. Sign up for a great and totally fun work-out!

10/1: World Vegetarian Day

I'm not sure I'd ever be able to give up meat - I'll eat anything mom cooks and her meat dishes are particularly inspired. But, I have been trying to make meat a side dish and not the main meal. Tomorrow is a good opportunity to see if I can go completely meatless for a day.

Check out: www.eatingwell.com

Basking in the Sun

That's the life...

Fun with Camera Effects

Weekend in the Country

We had an amazing weekend in upstate NY. I had originally booked us an all day outdoor rock climbing trip but we were rained out due to Hurricane Kyle. M took a look at the 'gunks and was like, "hell, no!"

Past a few farms, we arrived at our friends' beautiful house. They had just picked this gorgeous "bounty" from the garden and we went outside to check out where they came from. M: "That's lettuce!" Beautiful herbs, tomatoes, peppers, raspberries, Brussels sprouts and flowers. I had to have a seat on the John Deere.

I love spending a quiet evening cooking with friends. M marinated and grilled the beautiful grass fed organic steaks that K picked up. K whipped up some polenta with swiss chard and flounder fillets. I sauteed the Brussels sprouts. We had pecan pie for dessert and a nice whiskey and Bourbon tasting.

For breakfast, we made some home-fries, fried green tomatoes, bacon, poached eggs and fresh raspberries. We watched some CNN, read, hung out while the rain lightly tapped on the windows.

On the way back, we stopped by Dressler's farms and picked up some sweet corn (amazing!), honey crisp apples, white peaches, apple cider and apple cider doughnuts. We'll have to hit the corn maze another time.

*Hill Country & Camp Girls (& Boy)

Transportive.

I hadn't seen the Chinese Camp crew since August. It's been too long and I missed them. There's really something amazing about being with people who've known you since you were 13. Plus, they are really great. M got L a Wii and Rock Band for her birthday and early Christmas. L is like, "You mean you got US the Wii and Rock Band, right?" Hilarious. I'm so glad they liked it. It is awesome to rock out with them. J did another amazing job of picking an awesome place to eat.

I like BBQ and the more I read and heard about Hill Country, the more excited I got. There was live country music playing and I got a Lone Star beer at the bar. Hill Country takes you out of Manhattan and into a Texas country fair. It had great decor, you got this meal card and took it to the meat, sides, dessert and drink stations. I was told to go for the fatty brisket, not the lean, so I got that and BBQ chicken (dark meat). I had some of the beef shoulder that L got. As for sides, I played it safe and got a cucumber salad but ended up eating L's entire Hot German Potato dish. It was tangy and had bacon in it. SO GOOD! The chicken and the German Potato were by far my favorite things. I wrapped up the beef and got skillet corn bread, chili, sweet mashed potato, M's Texas Black Eyed Caviar, a big container of German Potato and mini pecan pie for M to eat when she got to my place tonight.
There were even cute dogs waiting for us outside. It was a perfect evening.

Spat Boot with Button Detail

I get obsessed about designs. My co-worker, "No, you?" Like the spectator pumps, I've been looking for a spat boot with button detail for the longest time. N: "did you see them?" No, like my mother, I make up a shoe in my head and look all over for the closest thing to it. Like Goldilocks, the ones I've found were too high, too low, too funky, too antique, too expensive. I finally found them and LOVE the cap toe.

Update: Doris says I look like Mr. Peanut.

Rushing to Pass a Plan

A plan that costs $6,000/ taxpayer, gives Paulson more power than g__, provides little oversight on how the $700 billion would be managed and allocated should be thought about more carefully.

"The big news this weekend is Hank Paulson put a $700 billion price tag on a bailout package designed to prevent a financial market crisis from becoming an economic calamity. Paulson's plan would require Congress to raise the U.S. debt limit to $11.3 trillion. Don't forget it was just in July when the debt limit was raised by $800 billion to $10.6 billion as a result of the Housing Bill. On that basis, the cost of the bailouts thus far is $1.5 trillion - and counting.

But the newly proposed $700 billion Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) "ultimately may not cost us anything - that's certainly the goal," Liz Ann Sonders, chief investment strategist at Charles Schwab says in the accompanying video, echoing Paulson's comments this weekend.

Sonders, and others, cite the Resolution Trust Corp. experience in the late 1980s-early 1990s as evidence that the government can possibly turn a profit on this bailout. While that's theoretically possible, "the devil is in the details," she admits.

Among the key details (or devils, if you prefer) yet to be determined:
- How the government will value banks' bad debt? "Too much of a discount could hurt the banks. Not enough eliminates the ability of the government to [ultimately] make money" on the bailout, Sonders says.
- What banks/institutions will be eligible for the plan? If international banks are eligible for the bailout, as Paulson wants, will foreign central banks (and taxpayers) pony up?
- What conditions will Congress require before approving the plan in terms of new regulation, limits on executive compensation and/or direct relief for homeowners facing foreclosure?

I think it's highly unlikely the government is going to turn a profit on this, because there's no way to build in "guaranteed" returns as they did with the AIG bailout and the Fannie/Freddie nationalization. Just breaking even also seem doubtful given how quickly this plan is being thrown together and especially if they open the bailout to all kinds of debt – not just mortgage-related – as is currently being contemplated."

http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/article/67605/Bailout-Cost-6K-Per-Taxpayer...Or-Nothing-at-All?tickers=XLF,AIG,FNM,FRE,GS,MS,SCHW

Superlatives and the Economy

Quick quiz about the past month (hello, week!), match the number with the appropriate letter:
1. Worst bankruptcy filing in American history
2. Largest bank seizure in American history
3. Worst __________ since the Depression
4. Said "We are in a serious economic crises"
5. Literally bent down on one knee as he pleaded with Nancy Pelosi, the House Speaker, not to “blow it up” by withdrawing her party’s support for the package over what Ms. Pelosi derided as a Republican betrayal.
6. Said last week that the fundamentals of the economy were sound.
7. The biggest __________ in American history


A. Bailout
B. The Treasury secretary, Henry M. Paulson Jr.
C. Recession
D. McCain
E. Lehman Brothers
F. George W. Bush
G. WaMu

*Dell'Anima & S

Many people, including Dana have raved about Dell'Anima so I was thrilled that S suggested we have our dinner there (instead of attending this panel on women in business). Dell'Anima is the love child of two very young prodigies - Gabe Thompson and Joe Campanale. Gabe was last at the much esteemed Le Bernardin (this is perhaps the closest that I will get to Le Bernardin) and Joe worked with Mario Batali and is a frequent contributor to food and wine publications.

We deserved some R and R in these trying economic times. It's been quite a roller coaster ride. I was getting emails left and right about JPMorgan and WaMu - crazy! Switching seamlessly from business to personal matters, S and I see eye to eye on a lot of things. Our significant others even have similar traits. We were both thrilled at being seated right at the open kitchen - their equivalent of a sushi bar. We both started pulling our hair into ponytails. S said, "tie the feedbag on!"

A note about sitting and watching the chefs. Call me naive but I like to think of kitchens as very sanitary with everyone wearing gloves and hairnets. As we've seen on the Foodnetwork and as S has correctly pointed out, most of us cook with our bare hands. I certainly do. She said, "take for example the chef salting the fish, wouldn't you like to feel the grains of salt and control the amount? Cooking requires all five senses." Yes. And maybe I won't watch the chefs going forward because they scratch their heads and their noses and those same hands are salting, poking meat to see how done they are and covering the tops of olive oil bottles to control the flow of liquid.

Seeing that certainly didn't stop me from scarfing down everything we ordered. We got all 5 of their famous bruschette. I could eat the chickpeas and preserved lemon one for days (def try the tomato bread at Boquerria). Another one of my favorites was done quite well: arugula, lemon, shaved parmigiano reggiano salad. Yum (my favorite ever was in Melbourne where they served it with "rocket lettuce"). We at first ordered 2 pastas but that was just the hunger talking. Luckily, they just served us the tagliatelle alla bolognese. Oh, I love the beautiful wide ribbons of noodles and the little clusters of ground meat. The pasta also had a shot of spice and the balance and heat were really lovely.

And why stop? Let's live it up while the economy collapses around us! I had 1 Lactaid left so we got the marscapone panna cotta with figs. S and I love marscapone, panna cotta, all things fluffy creamy - whipped cream and creme fraiche. This was lovely and yes, I took the bullet. Lactaid, don't fail me now.

www.dellanima.com

Excerpt from Sarah Palin's interview with Katie Couric

My favorite comment to this was "I'm close to my foot, I should be a podiatrist." The Republicans are sending this woman in to deal with terrorism, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea, Darfur...

An excerpt from Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's interview with Katie Couric to be aired later tonight on the CBS Evening News:

COURIC: You've cited Alaska's proximity to Russia as part of your foreign policy experience. What did you mean by that?

PALIN: That Alaska has a very narrow maritime border between a foreign country, Russia, and on our other side, the land-- boundary that we have with-- Canada. It-- it's funny that a comment like that was-- kind of made to-- cari-- I don't know, you know? Reporters--

COURIC: Mock?

PALIN: Yeah, mocked, I guess that's the word, yeah.

COURIC: Explain to me why that enhances your foreign policy credentials.

PALIN: Well, it certainly does because our-- our next door neighbors are foreign countries. They're in the state that I am the executive of. And there in Russia--

COURIC: Have you ever been involved with any negotiations, for example, with the Russians?

PALIN: We have trade missions back and forth. We-- we do-- it's very important when you consider even national security issues with Russia as Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where-- where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border. It is-- from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on this very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right there. They are right next to-- to our state.

25% off Brooks Brothers

It's that special time of year again, 25% off Brooks Brothers. Through 9/28, use the code Friend64 for phone or Internet orders. If going to the store, use your corporate membership card or an email I can send you. Want to make that discount worth more? Use it at the outlet stores and save a ton.

My favorites:
- Silk sweaters that are multi-seasonal, comfortable, machine washable and last for years (I've had mine since 2000)
- Non-iron shirts are frankly a miracle. Just throw in the washer and hang immediately after drying. No ironing, no dry cleaning
- Ties, I really like the striped ones

2008 Presidential Election: A Choice between the Past and The Future

"...I’m going to try to make this simple. On the Democratic side you have a guy whose campaign has been based on the Internet, who believes America may have something to learn from other countries (like universal health care) and who’s unafraid in 2008 to say he’s a “proud citizen of the United States and a fellow citizen of the world.”

On the Republican side, you have a guy who, in 2008, is just discovering the Net and Google and whose No. 2 is a woman who got a passport last year and believes she understands Russia because Alaska is closer to Siberia than Alabama.

If I were Obama, I’d put it this way: “Senator McCain, the world you claim to understand is the world of yesterday. A new century demands new thinking. Our country cannot be made fundamentally secure by a man who thought our economy was fundamentally sound.”

American exceptionalism, taken to extremes, leaves you without the allies you need (Iraq), without the influence you want (Iran) and without any notion of risk (Wall Street). The only exceptionalism that resonates, as Obama put it to me last year, is one “based on our Constitution, our principles, our values and our ideals...”

From Roger Cohen Op-Ed in today's NYTimes: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/25/opinion/25Cohen.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1222362101-4IpL08RfTqsEh/1EfM9KuQ

System: Precipitation

"It's not that the weather is bad, it's that you are unprepared." - from outdoor gear catalog

I listen to the news every morning as I'm getting ready and if it says rain...
- contacts
- black
- skirt/ dress
- La Canadienne boots
- trench coat
- umbrella

I wear contacts because I can't stand rain and smudges on my glasses. Black hides wet spots better than light colored clothes. You can see wet spots on khakis or a light shirt (e.g, my high school English teacher would sweat through all of his shirts by 10 AM). I've been totally drenched by rain in a black dress and looked totally fine.

I know not everyone wears skirts but for those who do, skirts are great in inclement weather because pants get wet, especially the bottom cuffs and stick to your ankles. I like to wear a black skirt/ dress, fancy tights and the black boots. The boots are waterproof and insulated - keeping your feet and legs dry and warm. If the boots are too annoying at work, I change them out with shoes I keep at the office.

Get a great water proof or water resistant classic trench coat that looks chic and keeps you dry. I have a beige one from Zara. And of course, a good umbrella. I keep a compact one in my bag in a plastic bag at all times.

Stay dry!

Antihistamine Art

Shiny, silver and fuchsia! I normally buy dye-free soft gels so when I opened a normal packet, well, I thought they were quite pretty.

*Deborah & C

Photo with David Oh, the General Manager of Deborah Life Love Food.

It was awesome to have dinner with C. I saw her walking down the street in a very beautiful suit - turns out to be Theory. J'adore Theory. The cut is so sleek, professional and really flattering. Their pants make your butt look so good. And the fabric is structured with some stretch that gives you a smooth silhouette and is really comfortable. I like the Max C pants and buy them from eBay. Very nice suit, C.

C is someone who expands your horizons. She and B went to the Rubin museum and said it was gorgeous. I'm dying to go. She is really smart, crazy hard working, an unbelievable problem solver and just so positive. She makes you feel like anything can be done and when she puts her mind on something, magic happens. JPMorgan has sent her to Hong Kong and she might be sent to Brazil. She and her fiancee, B, gutted and renovated their co-op and it is gorgeous. They approached their wedding with the same thoughtfulness and innovation and I can't wait to celebrate it with them.

This was my second meal at Deborah and I was so excited to see David Oh there. He was so nice and it's easy to see where team gets their cheerful helpfulness. Again, the Grilled Thai Tiger Shrimp and Avocado Salad was delicious. The shrimp was perfectly cook and lightly flavored, the watercress salad married beautifully with the sesame oil and scallions. It's my favorite dish there. We also shared the Mahi Mahi tacos and the Duck. The menu said BBQ glazed duck but to me, it was a lovely braised duck in a sweet Chinese 5 spice sauce (which paired nicely with my beer - I'm so into beer now!). It's too bad I'm lactose because I would've liked to have tried the pairing of the duck and sweet mashed potato. C really liked it and brought an order back for B. Oh l'amour.

http://www.deborahlifelovefood.com

5th Evacuation from the Office

This is New York City. You need to be able to live through disaster and still look fabulous for drinks.

This is my 5th evacuation from our building since we moved in 2006. I can't remember the order but... (1) A water pipe burst and we were ankle deep in water trying to get out of the lobby. M, don't worry, the water was clean. (2) Then the hotel up the street was on fire and filled the streets with black smoke. It was so crazy to see the smoke and flames cloud the windows and see the floor start to fill with smoke. (3) A steam pipe burst 3 floors above us and the foam ceiling panels got soaked and gross grey water started to pour from the ceiling onto my neighbors' desks. I had to get temporarily relocated so they could replace the carpet. (4) I was out picking up my Chinese take out and heard a huge explosion. People started to fill the streets. A column of smoke rose from the direction of Grand Central Station. I went back to the office but after 9/11, you are not keeping me in the building. I was so out and hit my lesbian bar for a drink. (5) Today, people started smelling gas and fire trucks pulled up to the building (what is the powder they were pouring on the street?). Security came on the loudspeakers saying that they were investigating but, again, I'm not trusting them with my life. I called C and said I could make dinner 30 min. earlier.

I'm so glad I'm on the 3rd floor 'cause I never know when I gotta jet.

Why You Need to Care about Retirment

"By the year 2040, benefits for all retirees could be cut by 22 percent and could continue to be reduced every year thereafter." People are living 10-30 years past retirement. Costs are rising - living, health care, food, etc.

"A comfortable retirement is based on a "three-legged stool" of Social Security, pensions and savings. American workers should be saving for their retirement on a personal basis and through employer-sponsored or other retirement plans."

It is important to "pay yourself first." Before money goes to expenses, try to put some of it away (depending on your needs and what your future plans are). I like to have at least 3 months worth of funds in my savings account at www.INGdirect.com (easy to set up and use and pays a pretty good interest rate relative to other places). I have a traditional and a ROTH IRA account as well as a traditional and ROTH 401 (K). If your company has a 401(k) plan and matches, try to invest the minimal amount in order to get that match. It's free money.

http://www.ssa.gov/qa.htm

Heathier Chewy Chocolate Cookie Recipe

M loves cookies and well, the Jell-O Pudding Cookies aren't the healthiest so I'm going to try this recipe from www.eatingwell.com on Saturday and throw in the macadamia nuts and white chocolate chips.

NUTRITION PROFILE:Low Calorie Low Carb Low Sodium Low Sat Fat Heart Healthy

We can't resist big, soft, fudgy cookies, like those found in glass jars on bake-shop counters. These freeze exceptionally well-layer them in a freezer-safe container between sheets of wax paper; thaw 15 minutes at room temperature before serving.
Makes about 45 cookies
ACTIVE TIME: 20 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 1 1/2 hours
EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy
3/4 cup all-purpose flour3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt6 large egg whites3/4 cup granulated sugar1 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar1 tablespoon vanilla extract3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped and melted (see Tip)
1. Position rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 350° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. 2. Whisk all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Beat egg whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer until foamy, about 1 minute. Beat in granulated sugar in a slow, steady stream. Scrape down the sides, then beat in brown sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat until smooth, about 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla and melted chocolate. Stir in the dry ingredients with a wooden spoon until just incorporated. 3. Drop the batter by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, 1 1/2 inches apart. 4. Bake the cookies until flat yet springy, with slightly cracked tops, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Let the pan cool for a few minutes before baking another batch; replace parchment paper if torn or scorched.
NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per cookie: 68 calories; 1 g fat (1 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 14 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 1 g fiber; 51 mg sodium.
TIP: Tip: Two foolproof ways to melt chocolate: 1. Bring 1 inch of water to a simmer in a double boiler set over medium-high heat, then place chocolate in the top pan. (Alternatively, to improvise a double boiler, place chocolate in a heat-safe mixing bowl that fits snugly over a pan with 1 inch of simmering water.) Stir until half the chocolate has melted. Remove the bowl and continue stirring until the chocolate has fully melted. Cool for 5 minutes at room temperature.2. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on High for 1 minute. Stir well, then continue microwaving in 30-second increments on High until two-thirds of the chocolate has melted, stirring well after each heating. Remove the bowl and continue stirring until all the chocolate has melted. Cool for 5 minutes at room temperature.Enhancements: Stir 2/3 cup raisins, dried cherries or dried blueberries into the Chewy Chocolate Cookies batter along with the flour mixture. Or use 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts.

Clay Aiken Finally Came Out

I don't think anyone is surprised.

Blog Sadness

At the left you'll see a bunch of blogs that I follow and The Underwear Drawer is written by a woman I went to college with (who also went to high school with a friend of mine). At Wellesley, she drew this really smart and funny comic strip in the newspaper and continued to write and draw comics through medical school and thereafter. Her comics and blog will be published in a book. She's really great.

And she hasn't posted since 9/1. It's crazy because we aren't close friends but I've gotten very worried and other worried readers have posted wondering where she was. She's pregnant and someone posted that something went wrong in the anatomy scan. I'm so sad and worried and hope everything works out. Wishing you all good things, M.

SFactor: Level 2.4

My friend J took this photo at N's bachelorette party. See the poor design of the pole? I have to tap people on the shoulder, "Excuse me, can you move before I swing my foot into your face?"

This was a really exciting class. I did all 12 push ups in full plank position and 2 sets of pole pull-ups. We went over everything (except for the button-down shirt strip which I missed!). AND we learned how to climb up the pole and pole-sit down. I climbed up to the top 3 times and man, I am going to hurt tomorrow! So that brings us to 6 spin tricks and 4 non-spin tricks.

I got to wear these new bootie shorts from Bebe and because I can't wear contacts for a few days, my glasses. Very naughty executive.

Oh, and if you want to give the intro class a try, let me know before 10/30! I can sign you up for half off the normal $40 ($20 for 2 hour class). It's a lot of fun, you get to cover a lot of what we do in Level 1, and see what happens at the advanced levels. It so worth it just to see what these ladies can do. And know that you could be up on the pole, too! You'll even learn something to bring home...

Wannabe MD

Maybe it's because of my Cancerian motherly instinct or my busybody snake nature. Maybe it's my biology nerdiness or being around so many doctors all the time, but I love to diagnose people. I love people watching and take in everything. Love the bag! Hate the shoes! Oh, your eczema is really bad, see if you are allergic to something. That's some crazy hair! Oh, that's a bad infection. Why is that man's upper arm so twisted? Birth defect? Agent Orange?

Whoa, there's a man with a hole in his head!

I was on the 6 train going uptown to my eyeliner appointment and this guy in the seat was reading with his head down. His head was shaved and at the top there was a hole. There was skin and everything - it was like an inny bellybutton but on his head! I was so mesmerized but didn't have a chance to talk to Doris about it.

Then, in class today, a friend of mine who is in medical school who joined class as a make-up told me it was a bur hole! Wow! I don't remember what she said about why he had one (something about motion or liquid?). She said that normally they patch you up so you don't have a divot but maybe they have to go in again. Crazy.

Maybe someone can tell my why this lady at the office recently started losing her hair. Or how Lidia Bastianich got her's back.

Otorhinolaryngology: Part Deux

I had a lunch date with Dr. S. It was super easy to get to - just a couple of subway stops away and I got to walk down a street with yummy cheap ethnic eats. I hit up Vanessa's dumplings on the way back.

You may be asking yourself, "Why is she such a baby? Nothing is wrong with her!" Well, Doris treated a 17 year old boy who let his sinusitis go untreated for a long time. He ended up with an abscess in his forehead that ate a hole into his skull and leaked fluid in his brain! Doris had to shave part of his head and drain the fluid.

Dr. S' office at the NY Ear and Eye Infirmary was really nice with tons of NY Magazine covers of the Top Doctors issues framed on the wall. The receptionist was a bit dyslexic, "May, MAY! You need to pay the copay!"

There was a minimal wait and I gave Dr. S a quick run down. He said he was going to check to see if I was experiencing acute sinusitis or a sinusitis that never got really cleared up. He checked my ears, my throat, used these special tongs to hold open my nostrils while he peered in, put puffs of minty mist in my nose (turns out to be anesthesia)... and then inserted the scope! Whoa! I was not ready for that and sneezed on him a few times.

Good news, everything looks good, nothing abnormal, no need for CAT scan. Nose and vocal cords are a bit red. Keep on managing the allergy with Zyrtec, Benedryl and nasal rinses. Come back in 6 weeks.

As a reward for being such a good patient, I got myself boiled chicken and mushroom dumplings, a veggie steamed bun, a pork and cabbage steamed bun and a hot and sour soup.

City Rage

The UN General Assembly is in town and along with the leaders and dignitaries from all over the world come their families, entourages, security, staff, translators, and protesters with their people. While it is cool to be in the city with such important people with such important things going on, the city is fenced up and some streets are closed. Streets, restaurants, stores, not to mention hotels are stuffed to the brim. There is crazy traffic everywhere and people are really pissed. It's scary walking around and hearing folks freak out. There are even non-General Assembly outbursts.

I saw this woman who was out on a jog get confronted by an ex in a suit:
Guy: Are you dating him?
Girl: Stop it.
Guy: Well, are you dating him?
Girl: Stop it! Yeah, I'm dating him!

Please, don't drive. Walk or take the subway. Namaste, people.

PBS Poll: Vote to Say Palin is Unqualified

PBS is doing one of those instant online polls to ask "America" if they think Sarah Palin is fit to be Vice President.

The GOP has launched a successful all out blitz to get Republicans to go on the site and click "Yes". As a result right now it looks like 62% of "America" thinks Palin is qualified. The Republicans are going to be milking this for all its worth in their press efforts.

Here's the link: http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html
You don't have to enter your email address or anything, just click "NO".

S' New Baby

S is such a proud new mum!

76 Carats

Just found. Wow.

Permanent Eyeliner

I can now officially say, "I got my eyes done."

So back in my entry "Lazy and Vain", I pondered permanent make-up. I'm terrible at putting on eyeliner - it is such a chore and takes so much time. I really liked the idea of just waking up and having the eyeliner on and all I have to do is the concealer, powder, mascara, brow, and cheeks. I'm also a bit addicted to tattoos.

After a busy day at work, I headed to Dr. Dormer's MediSpa which is interestingly close to Dr. Day's office. Guess those Upper East Side people need a lot of work! I met Christine (who's a make-up artist, been doing this for 20 years and teaches permanent make-up) who went over all the details and we got started. She numbed my eyes (which is a luxury in tattoo world but normal for permanent make-up) and did a nice, natural line along my upper lash line with dark brown (I only did upper). I really liked the dark brown because it won't fade into blue like the black ink might and it's not as harsh as black. Since I've had quite a few tattoos, I knew my skin would take it well and I wouldn't be so freaked out about the buzzing. We chatted and then she was done. We scheduled my touch-up (price included with the initial!) for a month later.

I'm a bit swollen so I'll take a picture for you later. I'm not in any pain and it should be totally healed in about 2 weeks.

www.daretobebeautiful.com

Everything for $15

Yeah, there are those "Everything for $10" stores in NY that are loaded with crap but here's an awesome website:
https://15dollarstore.com

I had seen these shoes at Tia's Place - soooo adorable. I tried them on but didn't want to pay $80. I did a quick internet search when I got home and the $15 had them! Unbelievable! Sure the store is hit or miss but when you hit something, aw yeah....

On the Hit List

I'm hiding out at home. Ok, well, until 5:30 PM. You see, I've been on the hit list for a long time and they are out to get me. There was a hit on me today but they weren't successful.

I've been pooped on 3 times and there have been multiple attempts. The first hit occurred when I was in 3rd grade and we had to walk under the route 46 overpass to get to elementary school. I hated going under there, it was dark, the cars passed through really quickly, it smelled like rotten grapes and there were pigeons that lived in the rafters and tons of poo on the sidewalk. So, fine, you could say that it was just a matter of time before I got hit. They seem to like to get me on the way to school because I was poo-ed on two more times after that at various stages of my journey to school.

They have tried to get me through my bedroom window - there was a big smear for the longest time. They have tried to get me three times as I rode as a passenger in cars. They got me on my side window on M's car and this morning on the windshield of my sister's car. They were aiming right for my face and the poo was RED!

So, my dreams of owning a convertible are dashed against the rocks and I am hiding out. Will the witness protection program take me?

Bun in the Oven

Grow, baby, grow!

After brunch, Doris and I hung out with H, Z and Silva. We checked out their fabulous new rocking chair. There was an open house a couple of units up from them and I was happy to see that prices have gone down. I would've loved to buy it for M - it had central A/C AND a washer/dryer. But, it was in the basement and I don't care that it is called "garden level." A basement is a basement.

On the way back to the car, Doris and I stopped by one of my favorite stores, Tia's Place. I love this store because of the beautiful mirrors, cabinets, and chandeliers AND the gorgeous clothes, shoes and accessories. Everything is beautiful. I almost bought 2 pairs of shoes....

*LITM Brunch

After just missing the bird attack, we arrived safely at LITM in Jersey City. I had planned a brunch for my Jersey pals, some new friends and at Doris' request, I had retired my svets for a T-shirt that says "I [Rainbow] Girls", jeans, studded belt and lace up Pyoo-mas. Meanwhile, my own younger sister shows me up at my own networking event wearing a ruffle blouse, pink cardigan and smart skinny yellow patent leather belt. I wonder when I'll have to start wearing age appropriate clothes.

It was a GORGEOUS warm, sunny day. I love September. And the windows and white interior of LITM made it relaxing, inviting and comfortable. There wasn't the madcap rush that one would experience at our other favorite brunch place, Brownstone Diner. Curse Guy Fieri for putting it on NJ's top diners show.
M suggested LITM and I was really impressed. It's a gallery that shows local art talent, bar, restaurant and it turns out, terrific brunch place. The list of drinks on the ginormous black board above the bar was really impressive. There was a short list of brunch items - super because many people haven't had their coffee yet and a large menu would be way too confusing. Nearly everyone selected the Crab Cake-tini. I loved the beautiful presentation, fresh ingredients and terrific flavors. If you are a drinker, they have endless mimosas and bloody marys for $12. And I just snuck a look at their other special meals and $1 oysters for happy hour?! OMG! I heard it was a great place to hang out at night.

Saturday with the Fam

I have been looking forward to this day for the longest time. I would get delirious in anticipation. Finally, the day came and by god, it was a gorgeous day. It was Woodbury Commons day with Mom (who had gone without me recently - the nerve!).

The other great thing about a casual weekend is my sweatsuit and no make-up! I paired my svets (Doris and I've been saying it this way ever since Nacho Libre) with a flourescent pink down vest, my little Prada messenger bag and a half-ponytail. Now, not only are the svets comfy, they are easy to take on and off, along with my slip-on Pumas. Please note, my shopping friends, that when you are on a serious shopping trip, wear good underwear and a bra so you can see how clothes will really look.
We went NUTS. We got the VIP Coupon Book. Stores were slashing the outlet prices by 40%. I made out like a bandit at J. Crew because I got another 15% from my student ID. Aw, yeah! I got some really great things at Barneys, a ton of stuff for M and drooled at Burberry. There's something about the preppy British meets punk. I loved every single one of their coats. See, the British have bad weather. They know about coats.

Mom bought 10 plates. Note, do not buy heavy things. Or, if you do, bring a wheelie luggage. Oh, and I got sick from eating lunch there. Augh. It was Japanese food - there couldn't have been any dairy....why?!
We were 30 minutes late to meet my brother for dinner. Here's a picture I snapped of the sunset from the NJ Turnpike.

Mom wanted Vietnamese food and P took us to his favorite place. They know him and he introduced us to the owner. They got Pho and I stole two cups of broth from mom. It was so good. I got one of my favorites - bo luc lac, otherwise known as Vietnamese Shaking Beef. Fantastic!

We did some grocery shopping and dropped P off. We would've stayed and played Rock Band II which has (Living on a Prayer!) but I was BEAT!

Chubsy

I haven't entered a NYSC for the entire month of September. I've had terrible allergies and the allergy meds make me drowsy. Further, I just don't sleep well when I'm on the meds - I'm sleepy but not rested. This makes me exhausted and move like a zombie in the morning which makes me late for work and so I take the subway and miss out on the 1 mile walk in the morning. I've also missed an S-Factor class.

And well, I eat a lot. So, now I have a gut from gluttony. Time to reign in the eating of high calorie foods, start exercising regularly again and cut down on spending. Augh.

Breeze with M & S

Could it be? M and I have bad memories and we were trying to figure out how long we've known each other. He says that we met at the an old New York Banker's group (now F-SIX) event in 1999. Has it been 9 years?

I love S & M (M's joke). They are so cute and cuddly and wildly in love after 7 years. We have a lot of fun because M is goofy and a super good person. S and I are pretty vain and bitchy. We are so not going down without some plastic surgery! Doris, S said he would LOVE to be your ballroom dancing partner. I think he will wear more bedazzled outfits than you.

They took me to their favorite Thai place, Breeze. It's owned and operated by gay folks and we do love supporting the gay community. S loves it for the sweet cocktails and fun atmosphere - the menu is in a DVD case, cocktails are on a record, and the check comes in a CD case. The dumpling soup was really good and while the pad won sen from Wondee Siam is the best, Breeze's was pretty good, too. I was just glad they had it! It's hard to find. I've been on a beer kick and regional beers just pair so amazingly with the food. The Singha just made everything super yummy.

Health Employees Can Deny Care

Over the course of the Bush Administration, there has been an alarming rise of teenage pregnancies. Sure, they can blame Brittany or her little sister but the Administration has been systematically raising barriers for people to get the information and care they need. This would, no doubt, continue under McCain/ Palin.

In an editorial in today's NYTimes:
"...a proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services that would govern family planning. It would require that any health care entity that receives federal financing — whether it’s a physician in private practice, a hospital or a state government — certify in writing that none of its employees are required to assist in any way with medical services they find objectionable.

Laws that have been on the books for some 30 years already allow doctors to refuse to perform abortions. The new rule would go further, ensuring that all employees and volunteers for health care entities can refuse to aid in providing any treatment they object to, which could include not only abortion and sterilization but also contraception. Health and Human Services estimates that the rule, which would affect nearly 600,000 hospitals, clinics and other health care providers, would cost $44.5 million a year to administer...

Many circumstances unrelated to reproductive health could also fall under the umbrella of “other medical procedures.” Could physicians object to helping patients whose sexual orientation they find objectionable? Could a receptionist refuse to book an appointment for an H.I.V. test? What about an emergency room doctor who wishes to deny emergency contraception to a rape victim? Or a pharmacist who prefers not to refill a birth control prescription?"

I've sent a few emails to find out exactly how people can fight this rule during the comment period that lasts until 9/25. I'll get back to you.

In a way, this rule makes official - maybe even protects - people who work in the medical profession and act on their beliefs. I'm sure there are medical professionals throughout the country that recommend one treatment over another because they believe it is the "right" recommendation. People would like to think that they could just rely on their doctors but doctors are human, too. Plus, patients have their own needs and beliefs. So, while part of the onus is on medical professionals, people, in general, should be researching and thinking about their issues, what the options are and finding the best medical professionals who match their needs.

McCain on CEO Pay

In April of this year, Republican presidential candidate John McCain spoke out about lavish pay packages for corporate chiefs.

He does realize that his top economic advisor Carly Fiorina recieved $44 million after screwing up HP, right? And Ms. Fiorina herself, said that McCain and Palin weren't qualified to run a corporation.

*Mia Dona & O

There's something about O. She is adorable, smart, fun and funny, thoughtful, knowledgeable, someone who's opinion I trust and well, I just like hanging out with her and hearing about her adventures. Such exciting ones! We met up for an early dinner at Mia Dona, a new restaurant from the woman who brought us David Burke & Donatella (which I have yet to try but have heard amazing things about).

The decor is supposed to make you feel like you are attending a dinner party at her home. Sleek, stylish and homey, it has books, plenty of blond wood and a zebra printed carpet. The service was really nice, thoughtful without being overbearing. They split everything for us! We shared 2 apps, a large pasta and dessert. We were concerned about the "shaved vegetables" in the Simple Salad but now, I will hit up my mandolin to make lovely shavings of beets, onions, and celery. Bold flavors but not overpowering. I loved how there were fresh herbs in everything. The crab polpetti (basically, crab cake) was quite big with good chunks of crab. O picked the Gnudi - soft pillows of pasta with mushrooms, crispy prosciutto and truffle butter. Divine. We topped of the lovely meal with a trio of sorbets - the white peach was my favorite. Yes, I am killing myself softly (fine, loudly) with dairy but it was sooooo good.

We then walked to Grand Central and I took her to my favorite bookstore. She ended up not getting anything but I just can't stop myself. I got 3 books (see book list): luxury, sushi and oysters. Can't wait to read them!

Pug Shirt

Growing up, I was not a dog person and 6 years ago, my ex and my sister went the the mall and picked up Petunia. While I don't support getting a dog at a mall and thus, supporting puppy mills, those puppies need homes, too, and Petunia is so precious.

So, we have quite a few pug things and more pug shirts than I care to admit. Yes, I wear my pug shirt when I walk her. I AM that crazy pug lady. So, I just saw this shirt in the sale section of my favorite women's athletic wear site (www.lucy.com). Its in a Chinese brush painting style with the logo in a chop formation. So adorable! Yes, Doris, I ordered one for you, too.

Aw, yeah, they took another 30% off the order because they're having a sale on top of a sale through Sunday!