Bolt Bus

As much as I love Amtrak, I just could not justify $263 to visit M this weekend. There was a flight special for $140 round trip but I'd have to fly Saturday morning and return on Monday morning and I think the last thing M wanted to do was take me to the airport at 4 AM on a Monday morning.

Passenger-wise, this was a great trip. The whole bus was practically asleep. Probably because the guy behind me was trying to impress his seat mate with his extensive knowledge of computer science. She was a computer science major but I imagine a first year because she had no idea of what he was talking about. That put us all in a deep sleep. Plus, internet was spotty. That or someone was hogging bandwidth.

I had phone calls to make but I'm more and more loathe to talk on a bus due to other people listening to my biz-natch. I went low tech and read my sushi book which I am LOVING. We follow a class of students in sushi school and flash back to history, culture, science - the chemicals that make fish fishy! The chemicals that make the fish taste good. The amino acids and all that good stuff.

And then I started to get motion sick.

So I put the book away and pulled out the iPod. Despite her valley girl from the south accent, I'm enjoying the "How Stuff Works" podcasts. Today I learned about knights. And then George Michael kept me company for the rest of the way. I've fallen in love again with the timely "Praying for Time", disturbingly sexy "Father Figure", and anguished "One More Try". How people did not pick up on his homosexuality - he calls his lover "teacher" and uses gender neutral language - is beyond me. M says, "jean shorts and tank top with Wham! written across, 'nuff said."

We are taking the weirdest route to DC - it is the exact route I take to Bowie. Similar to my other Bolt Bus experiences, we had an accident before we even left the city. The driver has proceeded to talk on the phone without a headset, besides being really dangerous, doesn't her arm get really sore? I think she's taking us to her friend's house to pick something up. I just can't wait to get off this bus. Oh, right, I'm taking the Bolt Bus back to NY on Sunday. 10 points for hitting a pedestrian, 5 more points if they are using a walker.

*La Fonda del Sol & Team

[in progress]

Happy Birthday, N! What better way to kick off a birthday week than tapas and sangria? Like the dinner options in the upstairs dining room, the tapas were EXCELLENT. Truly inspired and we ordered everything.

*Vai & J

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Coffee with D

Now that there is a deadline, I have been scheduling breakfasts, lunches, coffees/teas, dinners/ drinks to spend time with the people I love and probe them (in the most non-intrusive, friendly way) for information. It would be easier to have one big party - my friend J is having a "J Got Laid (Off)" party - but I've changed (no more 300+ balls) and really cherish one on one time.

D was great. He walked me through the job, culture, landscape of this opportunity I was thinking of. We chatted about Stern and what was going on with him. And because he is just so lovely and honest, he talked about how his partner would drop his glamorous accounting job in a heartbeat to be his housewife. And honestly, I would love a short respite consisting of chillaxing by the pool at the complex and cooking fabulous meals for M. I've been meaning to get better at cooking fish.

*Boi Sandwich & E

A tiny Vietnamese sandwich, noodle and "lunch box" shop opened up on 3rd Ave. by my building and my friend E and I finally got a chance to try it today (there's no place to sit so we brought the food back to a conference room).

We shared a BBQ pork Vietnamese sandwich that had their signature pate on an amazing french baguette. E got a chicken lemongrass soup and I got a chicken pho. The food was really tasty, well seasoned, extremely fresh and a great healthy option to our usual Japanese sushi/ bento box/ noodle soup. It was a bit pricier than I expected but we will definitely be going back to try the lunch box. I think I want grilled chicken over rice noodles.

Progress Report

Yup, I was up since 5. My brain pops up and is like, "did you do this? did you do that? did you talk to this person, what is that person up to? what do you think of this or that?" On and on it spins. I think this is just going to be my thing.

I went to a conference about Crises Management for Hedge Funds at a law firm and I just loved it. I love the law. It got me rethinking about a JD and I'm looking into getting one part time at Georgetown during my unemployment. I miss the classroom. Yes, I am a nerd.

There are 2 jobs at PWC that sound really great. I am hitting up a cousin who works at PWC and my friend E for some insight and information.

My firm also has a few groups in DC as well. My friends have gotten me informational interviews with 2 of the groups. There's one more group and I'm meeting another friend for coffee to learn more about it. I look to be top of mind as positions open up. I also signed up for the 1 year of career services that I get through the firm and registered for a bunch of workshops. I also got a career coach. They matched me up with an Asian woman - I totally picked that up over the phone even though she didn't have an accent or anything. My first impression is that she is soft spoken.

So, just reaching out to people, letting friends and my network know what is going on with me, helping those around me, and being thankful for all the incredible people in my life and the blessings I have.

Rhong-Tiam with B, K & G

[in progress]

Momentous

Due to the fact that I was moving to DC, that M was making me her domestic partner, my family would be 3 hours away in NJ, and I wanted to get all my legal stuff done before my benefits ran out, I contacted my lawyer today to draw up a health care and fiduciary power of attorney. This means that in the case something happened to me, M would be the one who would make decisions and have access to me at the hospital and to my medical records.

I had to pause at the fax machine. This was huge. This was kind of like marriage. I was placing my life in her very capable, thoughtful and caring hands. I got a little teary.

SFactor: Wow

Can I just say flying body spiral to chair to flying half pint? Helicopter to descending angel? Wow.

Life, Death and Jersey Brunch

The Jersey brunchers had not convened in a long time, there was a lot of catching up to do. The last brunch was at M&M's home and I think we are going to stick to a theme - potluck! I love the idea of being in a home, enjoying food at a leisurely pace and not being rushed or stressed by waiting for a table, menus, appetizers, entrees, bills, splitting the bill, etc. And we are, after all, in a recession.

Baby R had changed and grown so much from when I last saw him. I shared my news about moving - only 2 more Jersey brunches left - sad! M&M shared their good news and N&K told us about the passing of their kitty, Balanchine. Rest in peace, sweet kitty.

It was so good to be with old friends, share the good and the bad, and see our lives evolve.

Perfect Saturday

After all that happened this week I needed Saturday to decompress and melt some overheated brain cells. I caught up on most of my favorite shows and did chores (clean bathroom, vaccuum, clean room, 2 loads of laundry) during the commercial breaks. Doris said that I would get Gonorrhea from all the crap TV I watched.

First up, Double Shot of Love. I didn't exactly watch it but looked up what happened on mtv.com. I just didn't understand the show - were they supposed to pick the same person because they would both make out with the same person and the poor person had to be like, "I like you. No, wait, I like your sister." It was gross but I get it now. They each pick someone to like but that person has to pick them as well. So, it turned out that they both picked this boat captain/ waiter guy who always turns red when he's drunk and has the WORST hair. I don't know. It's sad.

I started Saturday watching Snapped. That was sad because the murderesses were either involved in getting insurance money or domestic violence. Normally, M and I could watch a whole day of murder shows but it was a bit much for me this weekend.

I was saved by Tool Academy, which M can't stand because she says it teaches women to be with their abusers because they think that their abusers can change. I agree with that but these guys are so ridiculous, it's like watching a train wreck which is actually how I feel about all the crap TV I watch. Plus, when the guys get kicked out of Tool Academy, their girlfriends generally leave them as well.

Next, my beloved Rock of Love Bus. Why? The silicone. The tons and tons of silicone. And the tattoos. I don't even know what they are saying but am just mesmerized by these women. Who are they? Where did they come from? What work did they get done? How come they don't fall over? Is Brittanya Asian? Why did she pierce her dimples? They might be doing pole dancing in the next episode. I can't wait!

Ah, Top Chef. I love that I was able to get up to speed. I'm thrilled that Carla is in the finals and that the judges loved her oyster stew. I want some of her oyster stew. She's really kooky but sweet and I do believe that food made with love is better. She's been the underdog but she's from DC and I'm rooting for her.

Lastly, The Millionaire Matchmaker. I haven't really seen this show but once I started, I couldn't stop. She is the quintessential New York Jewish lady. She tells it like it is. Some of these guys have serious problems and the ones that do take her advice are better for it (i.e., the guy who painted Madonna kissing Britney). The women are also really interesting. I like this show in the same way that I like the Rachel Zoe project, you get an in depth look at their business and their management style. And see awkward dating and one of the millionaire guys pole dance. He did a trick that I've been dying to learn - spinning helicopter!

I ended the day talking on the phone with V and then, M. A perfect day. And yes, it is 6 AM on a Sunday morning. I was actually up at 5 AM. 3 AM and 5 AM seem to be my new wake up times.

Going Through It

I consider myself to be quite level headed and positive. I also never really believed in the 8 Stages of Grief (which I found out to really be 5 Stages of Grief). I thought it was bull but the emotions just swell and roil. On a side note, the word "Grief" looks weirder and weirder the more I look at it.

Anyways, I was sad but fine the day I found out about the notification. I was fully aware of what happened and started to take steps so I guess I skipped the denial stage. The anger hit me on Friday. Mostly because they had told us we could take the day on Wednesday because it was emotional. I had stayed the day to work because I had some meetings I wanted to be prepared for. I asked for a half day on Wednesday and got a lot of grief about that. Seriously? You are seriously going to go there? That and my boss was in my grill for a number of ridiculous things. Be sure you do this, be sure you do that. Hello, I was at work when a lot of people who were let go had taken the rest of the week off. And I do good work. You don't have to remind me about having documents prepared for meetings because I ALWAYS DO.

And, thanks to my friends who have been so great about giving me advice, I went through a different sort of bargaining phase where I asked for some things. They were denied but at least I asked. The depression set in towards Friday evening and I had a nice long talk with M who reminded me of a number of things that have worked out. So, I'm finally at acceptance and will be moving to DC in mid-April.

Menchenko Tei and Cupcakes with W

[in progress]

Nada Sushi with V & N

[in progress]

Teodora with Camp Girls and Boy

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Happy Birthday, J!

Notification Day

One can elude the economy for so long. We've all seen the layoffs around and it really is only a matter of days, if it hasn't happened already. I received my notification of termination today (our whole group was eliminated) and it has been a heartbreaking day because I really love my firm and my group. I've made some strong friendships with immensely talented people and it is sad that I won't get to be with them on a daily basis.

And it could've gone really badly. I could've come into work to find boxes by my desk, been asked to pack in 30 minutes and escorted out by security with nothing to fall back on. I'll actually be working for a couple of months and it will be a good opportunity to tie everything up nice and neatly. I could have left for the day but I wanted to stay, get my work done (I'm still working here afterall), talk with people and plan out my next steps.

The support and concern people have shown is overwhelming and I can't thank everyone enough. M has also been nothing but the best partner I could ask for and in a way, this is a blessing. This is an opportunity to move down to DC, start my job search and new life there. Just in time for the cherry blossoms to bloom.

Cafe Zest & My Boys

[in progress]

Caramel French Toast

SCRUMPTIOUS french toast from the B&B that we stayed at this weekend. And, they cooked their sausage in apple juice - amazing!

Alynn’s Butterfly Inn: Caramel French Toast

1 Cup brown sugar
½ cup butter
6 eggs
1 ½ c milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 T Corn Syrup
½ c sugar & 1 tsp. cinnamon mixed
10-12 slices wheat bread

Melt butter corn syrup and brown sugar on stove in saucepan. Spread on greased 9 x 11” pan. Dip bread in eggs & milk & Vanilla mixture. Layer bread on bottom of pan over brown sugar mixture. Sprinkle cinnamon & sugar mixture between layers. Add next layer bread dipped in egg mixture. Pour remaining egg mixture over top of all. Cover and refrigerate overnight.Bake 350 * 30-35 min. uncovered serves 8-10

*Mario's & M

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I'd be swimming in Little Neck Clams in white wine butter sauce in heaven.

*Gore Mountain & M

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Gondola and post-gondola

*Friends Lake Inn & M

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Friends Lake Inn

*Abboccato with S & C

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Risotto balls with truffles!!!!

Pound & Pence Pub & C's Birthday

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Further Cutbacks

While I should be talking about the tragic layoffs happening around the world, this post is really about more foods that I can't eat. As if the dairy wasn't restrictive enough.

My family and I have long suffered from mouth ulcers (aka aphthous ulcer, canker sore, aphthous stomatitis, Sutton's Disease) that can take more than a month to heal. It is unbelievably painful and interferes with one of my greatest pleasures in life - eating. I think I may have 5-6 of them for the past 2 weeks - 2 in the back of my throat, one under my tongue, one on the tongue, one on my gum and one on my lip (which thank goodness is healing because I was looking like a collagen injection gone terribly wrong and drooling). I had to put my head down on my desk and almost cried just trying to eat breakfast and dinner yesterday. I've been treating myself with ibuprofen and anbesol.

I think that the break out may have happened due to lack of sleep, stress, trauma to the mouth (I have TMJ), overindulgence in wine and acidic foods (e.g., tomatoes, grapefruit), and general immunodeficiency issues. I have cut out my daily half a grapefruit, cut out tomato-based foods (pasta sauce, tomato soups), and wine. I will have to hit the Duane Reade for toothpaste that doesn't have sodium lauryl sulfate and milk of magnesia to gargle with. And after a year of M and Doris suggesting, I will make an appointment with a GI specialist.

Dream: Madonna Carnival

I had a very vivid dream and while there was anxiety, it wasn't the usual bizarre awful nightmare.

We were at the Madonna Carnival which takes place in the town next to mine (I had gone every year as a child). This was part Carnival, part wedding of Camile (whom I had gone to college with), part church, part flea market and part someone's house. I had gotten a number of stuff at the flea market and put it in a back room with other people's stuff while I attended the wedding. The wedding went very slowly and it felt very old Italian. At the end, the minister opened up the front of the church so people could leave (like a restaurant). I went to the back to get my stuff and it was gone. So, there was a lot of frantic searching and I started to go through the backpack of this kid and some stuff was in there. I took my stuff back, grabbed my parents and Doris and we went out the back of the house into the park but I had no shoes on and it was raining lightly and apparently, it was a place where people walked their dogs so I had to dodge a block or so of wet disintegrating poo to get to the car.

Squealz x3!

I won Windham Mountain ski lift tickets!!!!! I have been entering the drawing on their website every week for over 2 years and finally, FINALLY, I won!

SFactor 4.6: Flying Body Spiral

SQUEALZ x 2! Not only did my fabulous gifties arrive today, today we learned some KILLER combos and...drumroll please...the flying body spiral. Oh, I've been dying to learn this one!

So, first we did a rhondejong to flying half pint. I've seen some girls do this before and thought it was so awesome. Then, firefly to pole bend to half pint. Great way to do a series of pole tricks. I did the pole cat without falling off the pole - vast improvement! And finally, the flying body spiral where you swing with one arm, catch the pole behind you with the other arm and swing around. So beautiful. I need to practice doing it with my other arm because when I tried, I nailed the back of my head with the pole. I'm okay, I'm okay.

Awesome...and on to the helicopter and hopefully, a spinning helicopter.

SQUEALZ!

It's here! Oooo, maybe I'll get a silver buckle, too...

Nightmare

I really hope the early morning nightmares aren't returning. This nightmare made me want to be a vegetarian and question my ability to care for children.

So, this morning, V and I were - what else - eating at a restaurant. This seemed to be a Chinese restaurant with a lot of people and wood paneling - like Penang. The gross thing was that there was a restaurant worker checking a tray of very large steamed crab and there was a fish on the tray but it was alive and only half steamed and it was gasping for air. V and I were sitting at a counter and apparently you could order baby cartoon animals to be deep fried but they were still alive when he gave them to you and they kind of tottered about half-dazed and breaded.

Then, this 8-10 year old Chinese boy latches on to me and I try to help him find his father but the father has left. And then I lost the boy. I'm frantically looking for him.

Baby Outting

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J & V

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