Yee-Haw!

I have been looking for boots forever. I'm short, have skinny calves and can't rock heels outside of SFactor. I have been willing to shell out dough for Frye, Marc Jacobs or Loeffler Randall but it has got to fit and got to be perfect.

So after looking for hours, ordering and returning countless pairs, I found non-suede grey boots to match my grey bag - yes, I'm a matchy matchy girl. They're flat, have a little scrunch but do not look like wigwams, tapered at the ankle so I don't have cankles but still can pull on, hit right at the thickest part of my calf, and are super light and comfy. And of course, since it was buy one, get one half off, I HAD to get the black cowboy boots. No crazy stitching, just a basic casual boot with a little heel. All for $85 and same day shipping! Now that's a recession bargain!

Diet Rage

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Petunia found Doris' food stash, tore it up and ate an entire package of turkey jerky.

High School Reunion on the 166

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Person behind hand is J, good friend from high school. He and his wifey bought a house in Englewood and are expecting a baby in March.

*La Fonda Del Sol with V, W, E & M

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Chef Josh DeChellis

*Convivio with M & N

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One of NYTimes top 10 restaurants of 2008.

Malloreddus con Grancchio e Ricci di Mare - 25 Sardinian saffron pasta with crab, sea urchin and fresh tomato

Cupcake from Crumbs waiting for me when we got back (2nd day of cupcakes because I had a large one yesterday!). This was the first time I didn't finish a cupcake.

Blankie

After 2 resounding recommendations, I had every intention of driving to TJMaxx to get my electric blanket but it's really cold out there and once I stepped in the door, I was not about to leave.

So, I googled "best electric blanket" and I found something that raved about Sunbeam blankets and took me directly to Amazon. Sketchy, yes, but I googled "electric blanket" and Amazon's deal was pretty good. Doris allayed my fears about shipping by saying her stuff arrived pretty quickly.

The purchase took a really long time. I had to find the right blanket at the right price - Sunbeam Imperial Nights Polyester Cotton Blend Heated Blanket. Comfort set digital control, 10 settings, preheat, auto-off, finer temperature control, 2 ft longer power cord, 2 separate controls, and exclusive warming system senses and adjusts to deliver consistent warmth (the "brain"). Machine washable!!!! And then, I had to pick a color that M would like because I soooo wanted the pink one. I settled on "seashell" and Doris confirmed it was a beige even though the name would indicate a blush pink (I'm completely color blind). Then king or queen... I have a queen now but maybe I'll have a king in the future?

Oh, I can't wait for it to arrive, to set it on the bed to pre-heat, and climb into the warmth... And yes, M, you can turn the heat on your side off.

Sinigual w/ N & B

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Nightmares Have Abated for Now

As much as I denied it, I had been experiencing a level of stress, frustration and dejection on a sub-conscious level. That manifested in my quite horrible daily nightmares. As I looked into the causes - because I need some sleep - I realized:
1. I wake up because I'm hot. I'm so cold when I first get into bed that I bundle up and am totally overheated by 3 AM or so. I will look into an electric blanket.
2. Things are not that bad

So, my plans aren't moving along quite as well as I had hoped but I have a great family, the best partner in the world, amazing friends, the cuddliest pug, a nice place to come home to, a job that fits me and takes very good care of me, a workout regime I love, and a really, really good life. I was reminded of this when I lunched with a co-worker who was, unfortunately, let go recently. We are in a terrible recession and while one can hope and dream, it is important to take stock and appreciate what you do have.

More Snow

It has snowed, yet again. Petunia was a good girl and did her thing in the backyard. I was ready to shovel but there was more snow coming so I just headed to work and will take care of things when I get back tonight. Unless our neighbors take pity upon us and help us out again...

Daily Nightmare: Cooked Dogs

Today's nightmare:

M and I were at home - this gorgeous, huge plantation mansion with tall ceilings and lots of windows everywhere where I hung sheer white curtains. I was loving how the place was filled with light. We had maybe 5 or 6 dogs - I remember a Pug, Pomeranian and a Dalmation. M had set up a BBQ in the house and was like, we're cooking the dogs. I begged her not to. She asked if the door was locked and I went to check. The doors were locked and I went back. She threw one dog that looked like Petunia on the grill and I ran out of the room screaming and when I cam back, it looked like a roast duck. Then she threw in the Pomeranian and I was like, "Nooooooo!"

From http://www.dreammoods.com/dreamdictionary:
To see your home in your dream, signifies security, basic needs, and values. You may be feeling at home at your new job or you finally feel settled and comfortable in a new environment. Alternative, the dream represents your basic needs and priorities. To see a mansion in your dream, suggests that you need growth. You may feel that your current situation is in a rut. To see windows in your dream, signifies bright hopes, vast possibilities and insight. To dream that the doors are closed or locked, signify opportunities that are denied and not available to you or that you have missed out on. It also symbolizes the ending of a phase or project. If you are inside the locked door, then it represents harsh lessons that need to be learned. If the dog is dead or dying, then it indicates a loss of a good friend. Alternatively, it represents a deterioration of your instincts.

Riingo with E

I had pretty high hopes. I really like Marcus Samuelsson (of Aquavit) and E wanted Japanese so we decided to try Riingo's restaurant week lunch menu.

It is nicely decorated and intimate, also very close to work. The host table places the host with his back to us so he didn't see (or was busy doing something) the line of people at the door. Service was slow and a bit odd - they said they'd get something for the lady meaning E. Was I not a lady? Also, sushi has become so ubiquitous. What is ebi sashimi here versus there and twenty other places on the street? My favorite thing was this spicy crispy rice served with the bread. E's chili chicken was pretty good but my cod was boring and over wilted greens and I didn't like the bean soup - too grainy and the shitake mushrooms were soaked in something sweet. We had the green tea donuts which were pretty yummy (I didn't eat the green tea ice cream).

They did give us a gift certificate for the amount of the prix fixe ($24.07) to use for dinner. That was pretty generous but I won't be eating there again so I gave it to my coworker.

SFactor 4.4: Bombshell

I had seen the future in yesterday's class and was excited to learn and show off some new tricks. Today's theme was "bombshell" but since I didn't get the newsletter, I improvised with this corset tank that I was wearing anyway and B R Right by Trina featuring Ludacris.

Oooooooo...today was good! We learned the chair - which I was just starting to grasp from yesterday. Teacher is so good at breaking things down. I didn't get as good a grip as yesterday for the snake dive but it was fine. I'm really getting the corkscrew into leg splay - yeah! And we learned a hot rondejong into firefly combo. The most exciting thing was that I was finally FINALLY getting the pole sit. I could climb but I couldn't come down without losing serious skin from delicate areas but now, honey, watch out!

Very very good class. I was reminded yesterday that I had so much to learn and was so inspired by what I saw - I mean, these women were teachers, people who have been in SFactor for over 3 years, one woman took private lessons twice a week! I can't wait for the flying body spiral, helicopter and spinning helicopter.

SFactor: Level 4/5/6

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What these women can do!

Finally got the snake dive and doing better on the corkscrew

The Promise, Eileen Rafter

This was the third reading at L's wedding and I just loved it, especially with the bridesmaid's Irish accent:

The Promise
Eileen Rafter

The sun danced on the snow with a sparkling smile,
As two lovers sat quietly, alone for a while.
Then he turned and said, with a casual air
(Though he blushed from his chin to the tips of his hair),
"I think I might like to get married to you"
"Well then, she said, "Well there's a thought,
But what if we can't promise to be all that we ought?
Can you promise you won't rage or shout
If I'm late yet again, when we plan to go out?
For I know I can't promise I'll learn to ignore
Dirty socks and damp towels strewn all over the floor.

So if we can't vow to be all that we should
I'm not sure what to do, though the idea's quite good."
But he gently smiled and tilted his head
Till his lips met her ear and softly he said

"I promise, to weave my dreams into your own,
That wherever you breathe will be my heart's home.
I promise, that whether with rags or with gold I am blessed,
Your smile is the jewel I will treasure the best.

Do you think then, my love, we should marry - do you?"
"Yes" she said smiling "I do."

Like Man-Asses?

This article is really funny - had me all a twitter at work:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/23/world/europe/23crapstone.html?em

Year of the Ox Predictions

Happy Chinese New Year! As we move from Rat to Ox, I had to see what lay ahead (http://www.torontosun.com/news/2009/01/04/7916791.html):

CANCER (June 21-July 22): It’s time for a little self-realization and reevaluation. Take a critical look at your life, state of mind, physical well-being and financial status. It’s time to revamp top to bottom and without hesitation. Get with the times and make a point of putting yourself first this year. No more give-all to gain popularity. It’s all about you and where you want to be a year from now. Strategy must be strict and well laid out. Budget tight, fitness a must, self-help books and seminars top of your list. If you can primarily work on yourself, unbelievable rewards will follow.

Your first step will be to reinvent who you are and what you have to offer. Times are changing and, as much as you do not like anything out of place, you have to adjust to the world around you. This is a great year to find a new outlet or reeducate yourself. Consider some of the dreams, hopes and wishes you once had and bring these possibilities back to the forefront.

Check into what’s available through government services or even the possibility of an apprenticeship. There is no time like the present to take hold of your life and start anew. This is your second chance to stand up and follow a dream you let slip by the wayside. It’s a time to learn your lessons well and to position yourself for a future unlike the past that will be dependent on uniqueness and the ability to offer services that are in demand now more than ever before.

Power plays can be expected and, for Crabs who want to sit it out and do nothing, you’ll have a reason to be Crabby as you watch what you have let slip away. It will be by taking forceful action only that you will be able to keep up with the neighbors and hold your head high. He who hesitates will be lost in the backwash of the go-getters’ wake.

The more reluctant you are to embrace change, the further behind you will fall. It’s not a year to procrastinate about your future. It’s do-or-die, so get your mind wrapped around change and what you can do to take advantage of the trends that are unfolding before us.

Love: Uncertainty is likely if you let yourself go.
Money: Personal and financial change will lead to greater prosperity.
Health: Get on top of any unsavory habits you’ve developed.
Best months of the year: January, April, June, September, October.
What you should strive for: positive overall change to reposition yourself.
Fashion: Keep it simple and conservative.
Your lucky numbers: 3, 6, 17, 22, 27, 31, 47.

Forsaking All Others

I've been to many weddings but last night, something about the vows stuck out to me. ""_____, wilt thou have ____ to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"

Forsaking all others. Abandoning all others. Your family who've raised and cared for you? Your friends who've been there through every tear and every celebration? Your loved ones who've mentored you? Your dog who keeps you up at night? It sounds so final. I mean, I understand that you are each other's numero uno now but I guess that's what that means.

And is that necessarily something to promise? Sometimes, it's just what happens. Married people move in together or move someplace else together, they are sometimes a little harder to drag out to things, they like to nest. They want to be with each other.

But, perhaps, it is part of the vow because people just want to hear that their partner will choo-choo-choose them first. Like in this episode of "I Love New York", the guy said that he would feed his grandmother and mother before he fed New York. He got kicked off the show for that. Which was okay because he ended up being in a bromance with Six Pack.

Sleep, I Miss Thee

I have been having trouble sleeping this week. It could be my rattling window or snoring pug who likes to scrunch up against me and push me off the bed. She also wakes up and barks at stuff.

Wait, that's normal.

But, this past week, I've been waking up at 4:30 every morning - usually because of a dream. That is bad because I fall asleep around 11:30 so I've been functioning on 5 hours of sleep. Yes, M and H, you get less sleep. I know. But, I'm a koala and need my 23 hours of sleep a day. At least, 7. Dr. Do said it might be related to the uh, woman thing. Which, I suppose, is a good thing since there is an end in sight.

This morning's dream:
I want to say that it was in the afternoon sometime, I was getting ready in my room and I just happened to look out the window and there was a man suspended in air staring into the window. I looked out the other window, and there was another man. My bedroom is on the second floor. They looked kind of like the 2 long haired guys from the Foo Fighters (hence the photo). I was screaming, "M! M!" And I don't know if I screamed out loud but Petunia started barking (or if her barking caused me to scream in my sleep).

The Foo Fighters are peeping Toms.

L & R's Wedding

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Gorgeous setting and so easy to get to
Warm and clear day
Ferries crossing to and fro across sparkling waters
Liberty watching over and blessing the day
Pachelbel's Canon always makes me tear, the cello reaches deep into my heart
L looked stunning, R very handsome
The Promise - have to get that
NYU Stern women and their partners
Beer, shrimp, oysters on half shell, yum
Really cool cake with a sword to boot (with Hole's Violet playing)
Delicious scallop app and sea bass entree with reduced balsamic vinegar
Great speeches
Awesome New Wave - aw, yeah New Order, Cure, Depeche Mode

*Cafe Zaiya & Manatee

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"You could be a food writer for the lactose intolerant."

Try It On?

What a concept! I am an internet shopper. I HATE the mall and dealing with crowds and parking and the feeling that I'm paying a premium plus tax. But, I've bought and returned so many pairs of boots that it is just a waste to order them.

I've had my eye on Anthropologie's Fountain Pen Boots and Peaks & Plateaus Bag. They have been in the cart, ready for purchase but I just couldn't pull the trigger because I just wasn't sure. I received some good news at work today and thought I could get a little gift for myself.

So, I called 2 Anthropologie stores and of course, the shoe and bag can't possibly be in the same store. I mapped out the route to each of them and off I went.
Turns out, the leather of bag wasn't that soft and the handle drop - as I already knew - was too short. And, it was bigger than I wanted. Then, I took the E to Spring Street - for ONCE, the E train wasn't crowded. Must be my lucky day. I had a nice walk with window shopping (nothing really interesting) and got to the second Anthropologie.
13.5 inch shaft my ass. More like 15. I KNEW the boots would be too tall. I left both Anthropologie stores empty handed.

This apparently is my new budget strategy. If I want something, I will have to try it on. Which means I'll have to find time to get to the store, make sure what I want is there waiting for me and see if I really truly do love it.

Matsugen with Dr. Do

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Toward the Familiar

I was supposed to attend this networking event but... I just couldn't. I didn't feel up to smiling and meeting strangers. The first day after M leaves is so heartbreaking and I was so sad and just wanted to get off the hamster wheel and call it a day. But, B came to the rescue and we headed back to Jersey to join Doris for some Rock Band, Wii bowling, beefaroni and beer. I feel better, thanks B and Dr. Dodo!

*Nada Sushi with N & V

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A New Day

At 7 this morning, everything was coated with a thick, fluffy blanket of snow. I have recently been greeting snow with exasperation since that means shoveling (over and over again) but this snow was different. It was light and airy and easily swept away. It made everything look peaceful, new and covered up the mud, slush and ice from the previous snow storms.

It made today seem like a new day for our new president. Giving him a moment's respite, calm, and celebration while covering and quelling the trouble that we all know lies beneath the surface.

Poor Kid

It has been snowing all afternoon and our walk is covered yet again. Shoveling is such a Sisyphean task. I hope our neighbors like blondies because that is what they are getting for helping us the last 2 times this weekend!

I spoke to the son and thanked him for helping clear our stairwell. He very sweetly said it was the "neighborly thing to do." Good kid.

Hustlers

After bad navigating on my part, we finally met up with D & S at SoHo Billiards. I totally knew where it was but decided to put my faith in google maps and we ended up in Chinatown. Whoops.

Well, lemme tell you. We should play some more. Everyone was very good - go on Dr. H! And M was so happy, she even had a sippy cup of Coca-Cola.

*Fishtail by David Burke with D & M

To kick off Restaurant Week, I got us a reservation for David Burke's new restaurant, Fishtail. The waiter informed us that Restuarant Week didn't start until the day after (oh, really?) but they had a $20.09 3 course prix fixe menu. Bring it!

I love the Koi design on the website and inside on the menu, chairs and mirrors. I had wanted some Asian influence and it was certainly apparent in some of the dishes. We shared a Crispy Asian Lobster Cocktail which really was ginger scallion lobster. Not a cocktail but certainly my favorite way to eat lobster. We had different appetizers: D had a scallop corn chowder ("the scallops were really great but I didn't like the cilantro and peppers"), M had Laughing Bird Shrimp Sea Urchin Risotto that came in a sea urchin shell ("I couldn't taste the sea urchin, but it was yummy nonetheless."). I thought the risotto was amazing but couldn't eat more than a tiny spoonful due to the dairy. My calamari and oyster tempura was fantastic - I mean, deep fried breaded seafood. I couldn't ask for anything more.
We all had the mussels frites which D loved due to the cherry tomatoes and peas. M, "I thought mussels frites were going to be fried." She was disappointed. I thought it was well done but I was very full and kind of tipsy from the glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

I think that David Burke's pastry chef is unreliable because the pear tart at Fishtail became the pinapple tart (D: "It was eh, I didn't like the ginger ice cream") and there was a cake replacement when I was at Townhouse that was not good as well. M got a passionfruit creme brule (M: "I hate passionfruit but I hated pinapple even more."). I told the waiter I was lactose and he gave me the donuts and hot chocolote with rasberry sorbet instead of the hot chocolate. It was very cute but I was so full by the time it got to the table. Normally, M and I force ourselves to eat everything on our plates but we did a good job of stopping ourselves when we got full. AND they gave us mini blueberry cake and coconut truffles at the end!
I liked it. There were a LOT of staff so things moved quickly and efficiently. The interiors are always classy and whimsical. The food is well prepared, inventive and interesting. I think I'd like to try the Lobster Wonton Soup, Soft Shell Snails, and Crispy Artichokes next time.