getting to see scout master ward, in real life

Eddie Nortie!

My place of business had their largest fundraiser of the year last night at Pier 36 in Manhattan. With a goal of 3.2 million dollars and almost eight hundred attendees, the event went off without a hitch - and this year's spring benefit was a lot more star-studded than last year's! (Cynthia Nixon was last year's emcee and the only famous person I noticed in the room.) This year, Sandra Bernhard emcee'd the event and one of the four honorees was Susan Sarandon. Sitting directly across from Sandra and next to Susan was none other than long-time High Line supporter Edward Norton (who my abbreviating sister likes to call Eddie Nortie). Also in attendance was Andre Leon Tally (fashion) and Bill T. Jones (choreographer). This was the first year we had a paddle raise - technique used to raise money at the event where people raise their hands to donate money, not actual paddles - and I was stationed directly next to Susan Sarandon's table. To my surprise and delight Eddie Nortie raised his hand (!!!), so I not only got to deliver a donation card and pen to him, I also got to stand near him and wait for him to fill it out AND collect it when he was done. Although not life-changing, it was exhilarating to be next to a star that big. He is adorable - his wife is also gorgeous! - and what most people don't realize is he was one of the first supporters of the High Line, well before it was an actual park. Although exhausted from a very late, it is always fun to attend events in New York City - you never know who you will bump into.

six inches forward and five inches back

My mother came back to NYC this past Saturday (for the second time in two weeks!) on a bus trip with other teachers from her school. It is an annual occurrence, though it is normally scheduled at the beginning of April, not May. In three out of the four times she's ventured into the city we've gone to see a Broadway musical, but last year we decided to take a break from the big stage. Instead of being entertained by Broadway's best, I planned a food tour around the city (and we ate so much food we almost exploded). This year we reverted back to incorporating a show into our day and boy, did we pick quite a show! The first year she came we saw Chicago, the next was Wicked, and the third was The Lion King. 

My sister and I wanted to see something "out of the ordinary", since we played it pretty safe in past years, and since our mom did not have an opinion on what we saw, I sent a list of highly rated ones to my sister. We prioritized our top four choices - number one being Hedwig and the Angry Inch - and it just so happened there were tickets available the morning of her visit at our favorite ticket outlet - TKTS. While I did a lot of research on run times and ratings, I did not exactly look into the premise of the shows. I had seen signs for Hedwig around the city and heard a little bit about it, but I truly did not know what we were getting ourselves into. Up until that morning, I literally thought the name of the show was Hedwig and the Angry Itch and I thought the "Angry Itch" was a rock band who would not allow Hedwig to join. WRONG. First off, it is "Angry Inch" and it definitely does not have anything to do with a rock band. While I don't want to spoil the surprise, let's just say while there is a rock band in the show, the "inch" has to do with a specific body part - not a guitar, or a keyboard, or the drums. While certain parts were shocking, even when not sitting next to your mother, it was very entertaining. We saw it with Darren Criss (from the show "Glee") playing the main character Hedwig and it truly was impressive. Click here to visit the Hedwig website.

visitors to not only our homestead, but also the city

My Dad on the 86th Floor.
Photo credit:  My Mom

My parents came to visit me and I could not be happier! I am actually sad right now at this instant because they left this morning and it is always emotional leaving family, but I LOVE and very much appreciate that they made the trek down to New Jersey and were brave enough to venture into the city with me yesterday for some urban sight seeing and exploring. We took an eight o'clock boat in and walked through South Street Seaport and up past City Hall. We boarded a subway (yes, really brave parents) and headed up to Herald Square, where they entered into the Empire State Building Observatory. We said our good byes in the lobby because I had to go to work for the first half of the day, and they proceeded to travel up, up, up to the eighty sixth and one hundred and second floors. Once their feet were back on the ground, they walked to the northern most point of the High Line and followed it south. I met them after they were through the Chelsea Market Passage and traveled the rest of the way, down to Gansevoort Street, with them. They got a quick tour of my office building and then we walked to Mary's Fish Camp (located on West 4th and Charles Street in the West Village) and enjoyed an A+ lunch full of seafood and deliciousness. We took the subway (again) back to the ferry pier and headed home. We stopped at Strollo's Lighthouse for an after lunch ice cream after we landed in New Jersey. It was the most wonderful day and I wish they could visit every week! Click here for the menu at Mary's and try not to drool.  

a summer filled with song, rhythm, and melody

New York City is exciting and wonderful for many reasons, and I wanted to share my latest discovery with you today - the City Parks Foundation SummerStage. What began in 1986 as one free concert in Central Park, has escalated to a summer music festival that takes place from May to October and encompasses over sixty five concerts that span over fifteen genres - and all but five shows are completely FREE. The concerts take place on both weekdays and weekends and I am kicking myself for not taking this more seriously in past years. Why on earth have I been spending all of my time and energy visiting people who never (or rarely) visit us when there is so much going on right in our backyard?! 

While the summer weekend concerts don't necessarily excite me because I heart the beach, there are a number of shows during the week that sound totally awesome. The nerd in me wants to start organizing a spreadsheet this very instant, but instead I am going to take a deep breath, relax, and revisit the schedule sometime this weekend. My heart hurts a little because one of my absolute favorite bands happens to be playing for FREE on a weekend and I already have plans (so, so, so sad - I would have totally traded in a beach day without an ounce of hesitation for that one), but I guess I need to turn my frown upside down and be happy I have the opportunity to see two hundred other artists. While I am sure at times the shows sound a bit like a fund drive, I am willing to grin and bear it. In my opinion, especially as a fundraising professional, they should. A lot of work goes into putting on events and having over sixty five in a span of five months is no small feat. I also already feel like I am contributing because I just bought tickets to one of the ticketed events - First Aid Kit - and I am so excited! Click here to see the schedule.

everything I did, I did for you...and we love it all

My sister's photo! There he is!!!!

My sister and I attended a concert last night at Carnegie Hall and it was not just any concert - it was a tribute to the music of David Byrne and the Talking Heads. It. Was. Amazing. I initially bought two tickets (for my husband and I), but he was in Austin, Texas yesterday and not New York City because of work. My sister ended up being able to work from home yesterday & today and was more than happy to be my date, and since she was already down visiting over the weekend, it couldn't have have worked out more perfectly. 

Background: For the last ten years a man called Michael Dorf has been organizing fundraisers that salute the music of a famous musician (Joni, Bob, Bruce, Neil, Prince, Paul, R.E.M, and Stones to name a few). This year's fundraiser beneficiaries were four groups who work to provide music education in disadvantaged public schools (Midori & Friends, the Center for Arts Education, Little Kids Rock, and Church Street School for Music & Art). 

I want to write about the entire show, but I don't love writing overly long posts and I plan on inserting a link at the end with a Rolling Stone article that explains everything. I will however, mention my favorites and also express how grateful I was to be there, especially because David Byrne himself came out and surprised us!! He just looks like a good time. If I was presented with an opportunity to hang out with anyone famous, it would be him. His music is explosive and fun and I want to listen to it all the time forever - and dance. 

Sharon Jones crushed "Psycho Killer" in the most amazing way possible. Alexis Krauss was someone I had never heard of until last night, but her rendition of "Life During Wartime" was killer. Glen Hansard who I recognized from the Broadway musical Once, belted out "Girlfriend is Better" and thoroughly impressed everyone. Cibo Matto, whom I was most excited to see live, next to David of course (most of the artists end up "crashing" their concert - the only two who haven't in ten years are Prince and Paul Simon), played "I Zimbra" and even had dance moves to match the awesomeness of it all. I was also really looking forward to seeing Thievery Corporation and assumed they would play "Heart's a Lonely Hunter", a collaboration they worked on with David on an album I have probably listened to one gazillion times in life - seeing it live was incredible. The last two artists I want to feature could not be more different - Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and Santigold. He played "Houses in Motion" and she played "Burning Down the House" and I absolutely loved both interpretations. It is always nice to see artists play songs you aren't familiar with, but this was opposite...and I wish they could do it all over again. Click here to read the Stones article and here to visit the show's official website.

a night on the town with a cast of stars

My husband and I decided last year that we are going treat ourselves to a Broadway play as a Valentine's Day gift to one another. We don't go on actual Valentine's Day (usually because my husband is traveling for work), but that is the whole reason behind it. We always mean to go see more Broadway plays, but it is hard to get our schedules to match and let's be honest - they aren't the cheapest forms of entertainment in the world. Last year we say Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Scarlett Johansson. This year we saw It's Only a Play with Martin Short, Matthew Broderick, Stockard Channing (Rizzo from Grease), and Maulik Pancholy (Jonathan from 30 Rock). There were a few other famous people, but those were the names I recognized most when we were trying to decide what to see. Although the play received some pretty terrible reviews, we found it hilarious and were pleased with our choice. 

The real shocker of our evening had to do with our seats. My husband came into the city around noon and purchased tickets from the TKTS booth in the South Street Seaport. I received a very excited text full of numerous exclamation points letting me know we were sitting fifth row center. The kicker with plays and musicals is I used to work for a Cancer Research Foundation who offset their administrative costs with Broadway tickets and could get premium seats at cost. I thought once I said bye-bye to that job I would never be front and center again. Well, not only were we front and center, we were seated in the row directly in front of Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael Douglas, Dan Aykroyd, and his wife Donna Dixon (Dream Woman from Wayne's World). Not only were there stars on stage, there were stars directly to our backs (BIG STARS). We heard them talking about hotels, being cold, wearing glasses, attending a dance competition this weekend with their daughter, and much to our surprise - chomping down on some Pringles. Pringles! Between how much we enjoyed the play and how exciting it was to be that close to such big stars, I would say we thoroughly enjoyed our evening out. Click here to see our seat neighbors with the cast.

being sweetly rewarded for growing some balls

I was on a total roller coaster last Friday. As you probably know I really like plans, like almost more than ice cream. I had two tickets to First Aid Kit (I bought in July) and of course my husband got called for a job out of town. I reached out to a few of my personal favs to see if they could join me, but it was last minute and no one could make it. I wasn't completely opposed to going to the show myself, I just didn't want to tackle the late night commute all by my lonesome - sometimes I get lazy about it and overwhelmed. I posted the tickets on Ticketmaster for sale (face value of course), which is an amazing feature and super easy to use. One ticket got purchased and the other just sat. And it sat, and then it sat some more. I decided to put a listing on Craig's List and two hours before the end of my day, someone emailed me who seemed like they really wanted to buy it. Well, I waited and waited for a definite response and it never came. It was the furthest thing from plans on earth. Throughout the day I was super into going, then I talked myself out of it, then I wanted to go, then I just wanted to get home and get into bed, and then I had to make the decision to eat the ticket and run for the ferry, or put on my big girl pants and deal. I am beyond grateful I found the strength - it was amazing. They are beautiful, they have the most refreshing voices on the planet, and I enjoyed the show more than words can describe. They told jokes about cheese and sang all my favorite songs. What could be better? I didn't even have to leave early to catch the bus home - they ended at a reasonable hour and I was able to embark on a leisurely walk to beautiful Port Authority (gross) after they finished. If you have the chance GO see them, even if you have to go by yourself. It is worth it beyond words. (I will post the cheese jokes tomorrow.)  

my love/hate relationship with paper source (today)

There's the beautiful
felt leaf garland. Ugh.

I don't really hate Paper Source. It is one of the greatest stores in Manhattan (and other big cities) and is definitely in my top ten. Click here to read my post about it from June. However, I went there today to purchase a few cards and two items caught my eye - a garland and a pack of pre-cut leaves. Before moving forward with my reaction to said garland and leaves, I would like to provide you with a little back story about my recent idea for crafting. It is no secret that I hate do not love football (I also don't like birds and Margaret Schroeder from Boardwalk Empire, but that's another story). I like the "idea" of football - lazy Sundays at home with fatty snacks - what could be better?! However, I find the actual game boring and the large men make me nervous (gigantic necks = scary time). My creativeness and craftiness escalate during football season because I am actually home and have time to stop and smell the roses - and of course think about decorating and getting ready for the holidays. At the instant this year's football season started (little fib) I spotted a leaf garland made from shiny card stock on Pinterest (not glittery, I said shiny) . I was sold and ready to craft! I ordered the paper to make it online and printed the leaf patterns on the printer at work. Thirty dollars later, I am ready to cut some leaves and sew them together to make a fall-like garland we can keep up through the Thanksgiving holiday, when we will be entertaining eleven guests at our home for dinner (definitely another post).

Even more back story: I don't know what happened in nursery school or kindergarten, but my cutting skills are less than par. I am not sure what I was thinking when I initially set out to tackle this project, but as the days pass and I get closer and closer to starting it, I have realized I am going to be tracing and cutting a lot of shapes that are not quite square or round. Leaves are hard. So, this Sunday is the big day for my craft project and I have been trying to psych myself up to cut for many, many hours and I was doing a good job until I walked into Paper Source today. Sitting directly in front of my face as I walked through the doors was a thirty-six pack of colored leaves - I even had my choice between small and large (I mean really?). The only thing keeping me sane is the fact that the packaged leaves are red, orange, yellow, green, and brown, and my leaves are going to be rust, copper, silver, gold, bronze, and plum. After I calmed down and found the cards I needed, I did a lap around the store to see if they had anything birthday appropriate for my mother-in-law. (How many people's birthdays are in October? Geez Louise, so many.) I turned the corner and saw an actual full garland made of felt leaves. Of course I initially wanted felt, but I thought paper would be so much easier. Why am I going to spend hours of my time handcrafting something I can buy for fifteen dollars? Damn it Paper Source. So, I walked out with one strand of the felt garland and still plan to tackle my project this Sunday (and because my husband will be away, I will be watching Bravo and crafting, not football). I figured I can put one set on our front door and the other set on the dining room hutch. I will post on Monday and let you know how the paper garland came out. My fingers are crossed and already sore from cutting.    

I spy a famous person on the street corner

I saw someone famous this morning and actually recognized him, which doesn't usually happen because I watch so few movies and television programs! Victor Garber and I passed directly by one another in the West Village. I know him from Titanic (Thomas Andrews), which came out in 1997. He has done about a million other things since then, but leave it to me to recognize someone because of something he/she did seventeen years ago. He is very handsome (if you ask me) and looked like he was on his way to the gym. He was also wearing a shirt that said "Power", which I was curious about until I found him on the IMDb website and learned he is staring in a show called (wait for it...) Power. I thought he had a cameo in Boardwalk Empire, but I must have either been hallucinating, or made it up in one of my dreams. An exciting morning after a wonderful weekend with family and friends!

one of the many fabulous seniors of new york

Not my photo obvi,
but there's Debra.

I was texting with a friend the other day and he mentioned the blog The New Potato and thought I would like it. (I am still very confused as to why or how this particular friend knew about the blog, but whatevs I guess. Maybe because of the food part?!) Welp, I love the name - that's for sure. I am actually a huge fan of potatoes and would not be opposed to eating some form of them in every meal. Mashed potatoes are number one, but I like every kind as long as they aren't burnt or overly crispy - well done fries stay away. I can't stress just how much I really love potatoes, but alas the blog isn't about potatoes at all. The articles I tend to like most are in the health and beauty posts. Some items they discuss are a bit fancy for me, but overall I have really been enjoying it. I especially liked an interview posted today with Debra Rapoport about style and not caring about what other people think. Reading it made me happy. I think you should read it too. Click here and may reading this be a great start to your weekend.

seeing dance in new york city tonight

I get to see dance tonight and I am super thrilled. I might have to leave early and miss the piece I wanted to see most, but I guess that is just part of being a commuter. As amazing as the ferry is, the schedule really gets my goat sometimes. My options to get home after work are 6:45, 7:45, and 10:00. If I miss those, there is a 7:15 and a 9:15 ferry operated by another company that gets me in about ten minutes from home. However, because of the cost of my ferry I really don't want to be buying any extra tickets to other modes of transportation. I always have the train and bus option too, but let's be honest - who wants to get back on those? Not freaking me. I bought my forty-trip book of passes this morning and cried a little. 

The dance is at New York City Center, which I have never been to, which is sad because I have been in this area for six years. The show is called Fall for Dance and showcases twenty-four acclaimed ballet and modern dance companies. Each nightly performance features four companies and four pieces. Tonight we will see a modern dance company from New Zealand, the San Francisco Ballet, a contemporary dance company from London, and the Mark Morris Dance Company. I think Mark Morris is last (if the order is accurate on the website), which means no American modern dance for this girl. The other companies look so interesting though that I think I will be entertained. I am so excited!

a park among skyscrapers and a bustling metropolis

My photo from last Saturday.

Madison Square Park is one of my favorite places in Manhattan. It is beautiful and I always love the art they have on display there, which is mostly site-specific pieces that can weather the outdoors. One of my fondest memories is making a solo stop there before work in 2011. My husband was off to San Francisco and we commuted in together - I always try and take advantage of commuting with a buddy even if it is early because most of the time I am all by myself. I had a few minutes to kill after we said our good-byes and since he was reporting to an office on the same block as Madison Square Park, I decided to take a walk. (That's when I saw the big head sculpture I blogged about here.) It was wonderful and lovely and strange all at the same time. I really enjoy seeing art outside. Nature + art  = a good time in my book! The present art on display is by Tony Cragg and features three bronze sculptures on three of the lawns in the park. They made me think of Arches National Park and making those sandcastles where you drip sand in a pile and make many piles that eventually form a structure. The description of his sculptures is pretty heady and out there. Click here to read it.  

it really is a "park in the sky"

I put these photos together using an app called Pic Stitch. This was my view of the procession from 34th Street and I think it captures the notion of the High Line being called "The Park in the Sky" to a tee. Bands were playing, people were singing, and participants were cheering - such a joyful day!

Click here to read an article about opening by the New York Times.

Click here to read an article about opening by the Wall Street Journal

Click here to read an article about opening by the Vanity Fair.

Click here to read an article about opening by the Gothamist (lots of photos).

the third and final section is open for business

The third and final section of the High Line opened to the public on Sunday, September 21st. There was a soft opening on Saturday, September 20th for community partners & long-time members and events scheduled throughout the day, which was the reason my work week was six days, instead of the normal five. It began with a procession from the southern most point of the High Line (Gansevoort and Washington) and traveled all the way to the very north (34th Street and 11th Avenue). There were over 600 people in attendance and they carried props and puppets that represented the five most notable themes of the neighborhoods in which the High Line passes through. 

 

It began with a West Side Cowboy leading the way. 

A large locomotive followed, which was a combination of puppets that resembled a train (once put together). 

Behind that, were five groups separated by subject matter and color - Movers & Makers (green); Meats, Markets, & Mallomars (red); On the Waterfront (blue); The Wild West Side (pink); and Vision & re: Vision (silver). 

The people in each group held large train lights and human-like figurines, in addition to colorful pieces of silk. There was a pause at 30th Street and an official ribbon cutting took place that included government officials. Once the procession started back up again and reached 34th, the participants were led to a communal meal; complete with white picnic tables and checkered red tablecloths. Bread was broken (so to speak), further remarks were made, and smiles and cheers ensued. After the communal meal portion of the day was finished and the crowds dispersed, we switched gears and began setting up for the member social. Wine and cheese was served, the checkered linens were collected, and the picnic tables were adorned with very natural floral arrangements in Ball jars and tin buckets. The most amazing part was watching certain members wave and cheer when our Co-Founder, Joshua David, spoke. He thanked the members profusely and let them know we couldn't have come this far without them. Although it was an intense few days to handle after a week away, I am grateful to have taken part in such an important day in history for not only Friends of the High Line, but also for the city of New York. Come and visit, and get on the High Line!  

looking at the world (and life) in a different way

I am having one of those times in life where I am looking at the world differently. Instead of just putting my head down and going about my day, I am actively looking at the people around me and wondering what their lives are like. Some of my thoughts are petty and ridiculous, like what is she doing with her hair (in a silly way, not a snotty way). Some of my thoughts are much deeper, like I wonder if they have ever loved someone, or lost someone and I wonder who it was. Some of my thoughts are food-centered (of course), like I wonder what their last meal was or what they're having for dinner. Some of my thoughts are neurotic, like I wonder who in this subway car would save us if something bad happened. 

It is strange being in New York City day after day and either being VERY aware of what's around me, or so busy and distracted by my personal life that I hardly notice anything at all. There is so much going on in this city always. It is nonstop. You can literally find anything at any time of day or night, like a steak dinner at eleven thirty p.m. (been there, done that). SO much is happening in such a small space in such a small amount of time. I really felt it after I left work last night and went home. I couldn't imagine working and living here. I like excitement and I am all for having something interesting and cultural to do, but I really, really, really appreciate being able to remove myself from the madness (both good madness and chaotic madness) each night and relax. Our windows at home are open and the sounds outside are very different from the sounds of the city. I am grateful to be able to live away and have the city as a nearby playground. I wish so much, more of our friends lived in our immediate area, but for the time being this is the way it is and the way it must be. Here's to the people I pass or bump into tonight and tomorrow, as I will be in for a full day of work on a Saturday. Quite the week to come back to after my northeast adventures...        

spending time with a legend of film and photo

He is a little older
and grayer.

I got to spend my morning with the famous photographer Joel Sternfeld, aka the "exclusive" photographer of the High Line. He played a huge role in making people aware of it (before it was the actual 'High Line') by capturing it in its wild and uninhibited pre-park state. He gave it a voice, a reason, and an identity...so to speak. My department was his subject in a three-hour photo shoot on this glorious day because he needed to scout locations for our board photo, which will be taken in the upcoming weeks before section three opens. Section three is the last and final section of the High Line and it is opening this fall. We want a professional photograph of our board members in the new section without crowds and visitors, and because it is better to waste our time rather than that of our trustees, we were the substitute models. It was amazing watching him work. He explained the difference six inches can make when taking a photograph in Manhattan (or anywhere I guess); the difference between capturing a McDonald's sign vs. the silhouette of the Empire State Building, or making a white roof the part that draws your eye to the image vs. subject. He was gentle, soft spoken, and made it quite enjoyable. I am obviously partial to people who take the time to recognize and create quality photography (hello husband!), but this guy was such a character. I hope the sun is shining as brightly as it was today on the day of the actual shoot. Click here to see a collection of his works.

the neighbors are almost home

I was thrilled to be
able to take photos.

I really love my job and because we are a well-known park that covers a large area along the west side of Manhattan, we have a lot of friends and neighbors. One of our soon-to-be neighbors is the future Whitney Museum of American Art. Our office is nestled into the northeast side of the museum and like the new and improved Whitney; it was also designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano. (He gave us a "deal" because we are a non-profit organization - we couldn't be as close as we are to it and be an eye sore.) Last night, we were offered a construction tour of the unfinished museum and it was super cool. Getting VIP treatment is always a ton of fun, but when it has to do with a world-renowned art museum it just makes it that much cooler. We had to wear hard-soled shoes and hard hats while we toured. We were able to see open space on entire floors because the walls have yet to be built. Someone asked why they couldn't keep the spaces free and clear, but as the tour guide/project manager ever-so-gently reminded us - the building is meant to house art and a lot of art needs to be hung up, which is hard to do without walls. (Novel idea, right?) The views from the building are incredible. It was so neat to see a project so monumental in such an unfinished state. Presently, the Whitney offices are scattered between four buildings in different areas of the city, but in four short weeks the staff will all live next door. I cannot wait. The actual museum is not slated to open until Spring 2015 and once it does the High Line will become even busier than it already is. You should schedule a visit. Mark your calendar! Click here to learn more about Renzo Piano and the Whitney construction project.

a wednesday date night in the city

I really slipped this week on posting. I will attempt to write about three things today to make up for my slacking behavior. The first will be about eating out. I have eaten out five times out of my last nine meals. Yikes. My husband even got a grocery list from me on Tuesday, so I could make lunches for myself all week, but I didn't have time to put them together. Ugh. The good news is I really only over-splurged on Wednesday night. I tried to keep the other meals semi-healthy, even though I hate doing that. Wednesday was date night and my husband and I got to eat at our second David Burke (DB) restaurant, which is called Fishtail. DB is a notable chef that is famous (in my mind) because of the restaurant he owns in the great state of New Jersey (which happens to be about ten minutes from our home) called Fromagerie. He was also on Top Chef, a cooking program on Bravo - the greatest channel in America and beyond. Fishtail is one of his restaurants in Manhattan and it just so happened to be restaurant week. The deal is three courses for thirty eight dollars and for a lot of restaurants I would prefer to just order off the regular menu, but DB really knocks it out of the park. We had eight appetizers to choose from, nine dinner options, and five desserts - most restaurants have three options for each course or less. Our menu went a little like this; Tuna Crudo, Lobster Dumplings, Grilled Mahi Panzanella, Steak Frites, Peanut Butter & Jelly Mousse Bar, and Salted Caramel and Roasted Peach Parfait. Yes. Please. It was a lovely evening, that I wish lasted forever. I love my husband and it is such a treat getting to spend time doing special things like this with him, especially during the week.  

a language lesson - the real, true pronounciation

I decided to stop into a juice bar on my way to work a few weeks ago. The business is called Liquiteria and they make the absolute best smoothies. The downside is they cost nine dollars - before tax! I only allow myself to get one a week, but I think about getting one every day. They are the greatest smoothies on earth and are full of more than just fruit. The one I love most contains blueberries, mango, vanilla almond milk, orange juice, ginger, vitamin c, and raw coconut sugar. It also contains acai. It took me a few years to learn how to say it properly and it was actually my husband that corrected me. It is NOT pronounced "ah-kai". It is pronouced "ah-sah-EE" or "ah-sai-EE". Please tell your friends. It is painful to constantly hear people getting corrected. I have to laugh too, because I have been so proud of myself for not falling for any of those five dollar specialty coffee drinks, but alas I am now (borderline) addicted to nine dollar smoothies. The good thing is they share their ingredient list, so with a little motivation I should be able to make myself one of these each and every morning, if I please. Will it taste the same though?!   

dreading the underground during hot summer days

I am loving my ride to work via boat (sometimes I call it a ship, so I can sound like my Dad), but I am not loving the subway ride it requires. I have been lucky enough to work places where I haven't had to ride the subway - there was always a way around it (PATH train, my legs, etc.). However, my office is very far from most places and a subway is required...and even still the subway is quite a walk. When I came to work by train I could walk a mile or take the subway one stop. When I come to work by boat I need to take the subway four stops. I am hating it. The speediness of the boat makes it worth it by a landslide, but the subway is just nasty. I know that probably annoys the hell out of everyone I know that lives in New York, but it is not a good scene, especially when it is hot. I was breathing on a platform the other day and it felt like a sauna - literally. Have you ever been in a sauna and taken a nice, deep breath through your nose? Even though saunas are Relax City, USA, you quickly learn that deep breaths through your nose are not a good idea and hurt like hell. That is how breathing feels on the subway platform at Fourteenth Street. It is scorching hot and singes one's nose. I can assure you I am not taking any super deep breaths down there, but even the little ones burn. I am not sure what else to do though. I need to ride it and I need to breathe. Help.