Uptown Girl

1-11-11

2011-01-11T17:16:00.005-05:00

oh, hi New Year.

My New Year's Rezzies this year are as follows:

1- Dental care. I will take better care of my teeth and see a dentist.

2- Skin care. I will not let myself become a wrinkled mess at age 30. I will remove make-up before bed always. I will moisturize and use anti-aging creams.

3- Finances. Oh money. I will spend less and save more. Or spend more wisely? Something. Guess I need to sit down with my financial advisor and set a better budget for 2011. Don't want to blow my billions on champagne and ice this year. That's

sooo 2010.

4- I will make amends. With my Uptown Girl Followers. aka you.

UPTOWN APOLOGY & CONFESSION (excuse):

It is hard for me to write and blog when I try to filter myself. I don't like to be guarded with you. I like to spill all my beans and then some. I like to gab away like a teenager loitering outside 7/11 at midnight. Yet, I've been hesitant. I'm not ready to tell you all the deets about mi vida as of late. And when I'm filtering I just have nothing to say slash I clam up slash I get a little writer's block.

I know it's hard to believe that I have this one-and-only flaw.

I'm SO sorry for deserting blogland at large and in particular my 53 loyal followers.

I've been uber caught up in my off-the-grid happenings (dating) that I've neglected to blog... I have thought about what to tell the blogosphere about my boy without disclosing his exact name and address.

LIMITED DISHING:

To start, this is his blog-protected name and addy:

Uptown Boyfriend

UpperWest Sweet Street
New York, NY <3<3

I've been dating a wonderful man. He lives Uptown. Obvi. Would you expect anything ~~less~~ else? Oh, and in case you're wondering - which I know you are - he is NOT the secret admirer-stalker that lives in my building. That would be too cliche in a romantic horror movie way.

I prefer to be cliche in a romantic comedy way. Just call me Sentimental-Susie. That's not my name, but you can still call me that if you want to.

The most wonderful time of the year

2010-12-29T17:32:00.002-05:00

Yes, these are dark chocolate Ferrero Rondnoir's. Thank you for noticing.

I'm eating my way through the end of 2010. Delish yet dangerous.
Here's to celebrating the holidays with chocolate!

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This just in...

2010-12-17T11:21:00.006-05:00

From YBF aka the Young Black and Fabulous (Fabulous and therefore Uptown Girl-worthy)...

It's on, like Rae Dawn Chong. This is a fabulous show that went off-air abruptly. My roommates and I watch re-runs on BET, but we've been dying to know how it all ends. Dying for some new episodes. Dying for some Tasha Mack.

I'm so ready for 2011 now that I know

THE GAME IS BACK!

note to self

2010-12-17T10:57:00.001-05:00

This is a good reminder. I need to buy paper towels. And a snow globe.

I am in LOVE. With a shell.

2010-12-03T14:55:00.002-05:00

maybe this belongs on Own It? I mean, does Marcel own it or what?

Gobble Gobble

2010-11-25T09:18:00.004-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Last Thanksgiving I was on a never-ending flight to Chennai, India to see the world and visit my brother. Feels like yesterday.

This year we're out in New Jersey, chillin with the fam. Those of us who live in the tri-state area are here, most are sleeping. And in a couple hours my older brother will arrive from Virginia with his wife and 4 darling children. This promises to be a day filled with utter chaos, gluttony, love, and proclamations of thanks. I feel thankful to be here, healthy and surrounded by my loved ones.

What are you thankful for?

My Beautiful View

2010-11-22T16:53:00.001-05:00

Ooh la la

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Viva Mexico!

2010-11-17T10:35:00.005-05:00

I had a fantastic trip to Mexico with my Mama and my hermana Liza. We tore up the town in Mexico City, touring around with my aunt and cousins. We literally ate our way around. This is a picture of the most delicioso tortillas being made in a restaurant outside the city. I ate that entire stack. Unabashedly.

This is the same restaurant. Everything was so colorful, and the plantlife was so lush and beautifully groomed throughout the country.

On to Cancun...
I had to document a very yummy Tequila Sunrise in our Cancun resort. What better way to start the day? Ahem...

I miss the beach already. Sand that felt ~~and tasted~~ like cookie dough. Amazing clouds ~~that blocked our sun constantly~~ in a blue sky. Water with multiple shades of blue: from turquoise to purple. Oh the memories are almost enough to get me through my day at work. Almost.

Sorbet Shop

2010-11-06T15:21:00.001-04:00

Just your tipico Mexican ice cream store. So far we are eating our way through Mexico and loving every minuto!

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I'll Follow the Sun

2010-11-02T11:34:00.003-04:00

I need to pack tonight for my trip to MEXICO!

First Mexico City for a few days and then off to sunny (we hope) Cancun.

I can. not. wait.

I'm anticipating a relaxing week in the sun. With plenty of sunblock of course.

All-inclusive restaurants and swim-up bars. Count me in.

I've been missing the sun for a whole 2 days here in NYC. And what with elections happening, it is officially time to flee the country. Imediamente. En Jueves.

Me encanta el sol!

As for what to pack... please send your tips my way and I'll be sure say hola to the sun for you.

Admirer Run-In #1

2010-11-01T13:52:00.005-04:00

Remember my not-so-secret admirer? He tracked me down via hand written note, left under my front door. I went on one date with him. And I didn't tell you this part...

The weekend following our date, this Tall Indian Guy (as he refers to himself) texted to see if I would like some wine at his apartment. I know that this is code for something else entirely. While I may be interested in wine, that is where my interest stops with this stalker. So I declined in a clear "No thanks, have a nice weekend" text back.

Well I saw him again yesterday! He was waiting for the elevator when I returned from my run. I was glistening (that's lady-talk for super sweaty). Tall Indian Guy was friendly and polite. He gave me a side-hug even though I was dripping of ~~sweat~~ sparkle. We small talked until the elevator got me to my blessed floor.

If I were to be completely honest with you, which I always am, I'd have to say that: I love first run-ins. I dread them so, but things aren't usually as awkward as I expect. So I prefer to get it over with as soon as possible. I've even had 2 near run-ins with the smelly beard man. I saw him once in Penn Station and once in the subway as he pretended not to notice me. I'm such a big deal that I'm hard to miss, what with all the papa-razzi following and all. Obvi.

Have you had any uber-awkward run-ins? Do tell.

Recycling

2010-10-29T09:52:00.006-04:00

I admit that my costume ideas are a little bit lamespice this year. It's all an attempt at being green. Reduce Reuse Recycle = my Halloween motto.

Idea 1- Redo the Facebook costume from 2 years ago.

here we are "updating my profile"

Idea 2- Steal slash recycle my friends' costume idea from 2 years ago and dress as a NYC tourist.

I heart NY t-shirt is a must, plus fanny pack and map. Add sneakers to complete the look.

If I can get some others to join me, we can be a tour group complete with a big red umbrella.

Idea 3- Get inspired by you for a new plan.

I have no picture for this idea. So probs it won't be happening. That's how I roll. Also it's not green to do something new. Everybody knows that.

As evidenced by last year's Halloween posting, I'm kind of a lazy costumer. This is supposed to be a kiddie holiday anyway, right?

Not in NY. Here it is all about the grown-ups getting into some late night tricks and treats.

Do adults dress up where you're from or do you let the kids have all the fun? Do you have a go-to costume?

random

2010-10-26T10:04:00.004-04:00

This has absolutely nothing to do with anything.

But I saw it and I thought of you. And that is meaningful, right?

I may now have my costume idea. It would be the scariest costume I've worn in years. Maybe ever. Spooky Snooki has quite a ring to it.

Thoughts on this brilliance?

Safety 1st

2010-10-20T08:00:00.001-04:00

Crossing the street can be a very dangerous thing to do.

During my morning commute last week, I witnessed a man walking across the street while a turning SUV sped up as if to hit the pedestrian. It was a very near miss, and the pedestrian was angry. I was angry too. This is New York and there are pedestrians everywhere, so drivers need to pay attention lest they hit one. And on the Upper Eastside, I do not tolerate this sort of behavior. Obvi.

Generally though, when a near-miss happens, Mr. Driver realizes that he nearly killed someone and takes a second to apologize or look embarrassed, or at least has the decency to drive off quickly.

Not this time.

This time, Mr. Driver slowed down to yell at the pedestrian! And as the shocked witness, I can tell you that it was clearly the driver's fault in this instance.

This time, Mr. Driver even pulled over and parked. He was clearly looking for a fight but the victim of his recklessness had already escaped, thank God. Fighting on the UES is base and therefore not tolerated. Unless previously contracted and agreed upon by yours truly, or outside of a bar on 2nd Avenue past 11pm.

As the solid citizen that I am, I noted this A$$hole's license plate so that he can be banned from further UES maniacal antics and banished to Midtown where he belongs. Get this... it was a vanity plate!

It read:

RUDE1

I die.

This is so perfect.

And now you know, if someone has a NY plate that says RUDE1, you should egg his black SUV whilst keeping in mind that Mr. Driver is looking for fights and will most likely try to kill you.

delight

2010-10-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

I stumbled upon this photo in my incredible phone (pun intended- it is a Droid Incredible). I snapped it when in NJ with my Mom and sister over Labor Day weekend.

What a warm memory of pretty coffee in a quaint cafe with loving ladies. Simple and simply delightful.

And in 2 weeks I'll be flying to Mexico with these wonder women to sip some more cafe and maybe even a tequila sunrise tambien. I feel carefree just thinking about it, like anything could happen.

What are you looking forward to? Also, I just realized that my last post is about "living in the present" and already my mind is in the future. See how that happens?

This

2010-10-17T23:43:00.006-04:00

I've never been a huge country music fan. Admittedly, I get into the poppy sounding stuff. But, for the most part I have no clue what's out there in country-music-ville.

Did you know that Darius Rucker has a new album? Never thinking it was a country sound, I've loved Hootie and the Blowfish for always and forever. Even won tickets from a radio contest to see them in a private(ish) concert a few years ago.

Anywho, I downloaded Darius' new song "This" today and listened to it ~~multiple times...~~. I'm not saying it is the best song ever or anything, but it spoke to me. And that's what counts.

It has such a message. It hit me and I got the magnitude like woah. Moral of the story: the lyrics are all about how whatever went right in life or wrong in life is what led to this point. I like that.

I'm a huge opponent of the phrase "everything happens for a reason". It is a statement that drives me cra-zy. B-A-N-A-N-A-S. Someday I'll tell you all about it. And I apologize ahead of time for that day. :)

This song, however, is what I think people are trying to say with "everything happens for a reason". That when life happens and things go wrong and big huge moments don't go as planned, hoped, and longed for, we have an opportunity. To grow. To change. To learn and move and pick ourselves up to face another day. And when we do, our lives take a new direction for better or worse. And those new directions lead to this. The now.

I was upset recently because I'd really like to be in a relationship and it just doesn't seem to be working out, nor does it ever work out as planned in my very smart brain. I get so sick of first dates: that nervous uncomfortable feeling, the way I make every goodbye awkward, and how I generally turn out to not like the guy anyway!

I confess that I had a pity-party where I mourned the past and doomed the future. I spilled my guts and my tears with my roomies who helped baby-step me back to reality of life and love, and the life I love.
[aside: maybe I took too many baby-steps, because today I can think of a zillion reasons why I'm happy to be single and not in a relationship. Happy to be in the here and now with me, myself, and I.]

Living in the present moment is practically impossible. I've attempted to do it all my life and still can't seem to stay in today for more than an instant. When I do though, I can be nothing but grateful.

Grateful for my mother.
Grateful for my family and my friends. Who they are and who they have helped me to be.
Grateful for my health and my life.
Grateful for getting past all those terrible days and for the path I took to pass each one by. Whether it be a family emergency, a break-up, a bad haircut, or a pity-party. I'm glad I'm in today rather than those days!

And I know those days will come again. Suffering comes to all.
But for right now I'm grateful.

Pieces of lyrics I liked from "This":
"Maybe it didn't turn out like I planned
Maybe that's why I'm such a lucky man
...
All the doors that I had to close,
All the things I knew but I didn't know
Thank God for all I missed
Cause it led me here to this"

Monday Subway Story

2010-10-11T09:51:00.005-04:00

I suppose a lot of you fellow commuters have the day off for Columbus Day. However, I (like Christopher Columbus) came into work today. And the strangest thing happened on the subway. Eerie, really.

Instead of yearning for my bed and wallowing in self-pity slash jealousy on this national holiday, I'm rejoicing in the fact that NO ONE TOUCHED ME on the subway! I mean, there was no butt on butt action, no one's arm against my arm or purse strategically resting on my leg. You could say it was a miracle. You could definitely say that.

[An empty subway car is Urban Legend. This is an optical illusion created for the purposes of exaggeration only. Do not be disturbed. A middle-aged drunk man in a suit is no doubt sleeping under one of the seats.]

Granted, there were enough laborers en route to fill the seats and leave standing-room-only, but that is A-ok with this Uptown Girl. Namely because if I sit for too long during Morning-Commute-StageII of The Sleep Cycle, I'll surely seep back into REM.

It's science. Simple science.

With that in mind, please enjoy this holiday. I thank you for the breathing room this morning. It was special.

photo documentation

2010-10-08T10:27:00.004-04:00

Here we have photographic evidence of the events described in the post below. Next time you should come join us in some fabulously fun flirty escapades...

rbar

(aside: rbar is not a fave spot of this Uptown Girl. Great tunes, but there are poles. Poles! How tacky.)

Atlantic Grill

good friends + good food = great times

brush that dirt off my shoulder

2010-10-06T22:41:00.005-04:00

I may have told you this before... I'm kind of a big deal you know. Lately I've been busy busy busy with fun, active, and glamorous life pursuits.

More active than ever before in my life:

- hot yoga classes -
- kickball team -
- rollerblading -
- dating -
- running -
- indoor soccer team -

And, of course, dancing. No, not dance classes. Ok I did rock 1 hot Zumba class and will return when my schedule allows. My dance has been in posh bars with my best besties. Rocking out to all sorts of tunes. Last weekend I think I heard Ace of Base played 3-4 times between RBar and Lit Lounge. If you ever go to Lit Lounge, please be advised that they have a great DJ yet hot as Hades temperatures. And I'm not saying hot people. I'm saying sweaty people. Picture that.
Delightful.

All this action has been exhausting. And rewarding. It may be all the endorphins typing, but I'm happier and more at peace than I was in my former sedentary days. Don't worry, I still find the time to sit on the couch and watch DVR'd tv for hours and for going out to eat. Often.

In the glamour department: I ate delish shellfish at Atlantic Grill on Monday night with my roomies and Jenny May of Swede Records (fellow bridesmaid in Liza's upcoming wedding). She was here for the weekend and if I get my way, Jenny and her Swede will be moving to the Upper Eastside come springtime.
Aside: do you know that Jenny has 978 followers. Un-be-liev-a-ble.

Does anyone have a picture of this blogathering?

What have you been up to blogland? I'm so behind at my blog reading!

subway horror story

2010-10-04T09:59:00.005-04:00

I stepped onto the subway this morning to a horrifying (yet not uncommon) sight. Picture this. A teenage boy and girl in an intimate embrace. Holding onto each other rather than the bar. And then they made out. Like teenagers in a dark movie theater. Except they were on the train with a myriad of commuters and an Uptown Girl. Hi.

This behavior is not ok.

It is a Monday morning. Were you aware?

I now realize why, when I was in high school, adults on the train hated my friends and me(!). At the time I thought "they" were ageist freaks! Now I know that it is the other way around: teenagers are little psychopaths trying to ruin my Monday. Technically I already knew this tried and true fact, but it seems like fresh information right now.

I will not let this ruin my day. I will move on and forget the inappropriate PDA that started my work-week. I will get a lot of work done. I will persevere. I will pledge to end the week with some PDA of my own.

Why should the teens get to have all the fun?

Look Out Ladies

2010-10-01T10:53:00.004-04:00

There's nothing like the Onion News to kick off this lovely Friday. And by lovely I mean there is a full-blown monsoon outside. Sam Champion, please remedy this and show us some sunshine this weekend.

Obama Releases 500,000 Men From U.S. Strategic Bachelor Reserve

I think I speak for all the singles ladies (move over Beyonce) when I say that this report is a dream come true. Who knew Obama was so thoughtful!?

These boots were made for walking

2010-09-30T09:57:00.004-04:00

I recently purchased these fantastigorical new boots from Steve Madden.

For $100.

I'm telling you this because fellow blogger-to-the-stars, Daily Ann-tidote, posted this morning about an adorable Anthropologie inspired Look For Less.

So I thought I'd share. Remember: sharing is caring.

Holler

2010-09-29T23:10:00.003-04:00

Dearest Blogland,

I just got home from drinks with my admirer (one of many, obvi).

Just checking in to let you know that I'm alive and well. I had a nice time chilling with my 6'3" date, albeit, there were no sparks. Yes, I asked his height.

Also no kidnapping or murder to report. This admirer is ~~seemingly~~ not a stalker, nor is he dangerous ~~yet~~.

Nite nite Sprite. Sweet dreams.

<3
Uptown Girl

Train Traffic Ahead

2010-09-26T16:45:00.001-04:00

Sitting on an Amtrak train (as I head home from a few days away from my Upper Eastside pied-et-teir), I am doing a lot of thinking. More thinking than sleeping unfortunately.

Thinking: My train was delayed and this is unacceptable.

Thinking: I hope I can make it back to NYC without using the train restroom a second time. If not, I may cry.

Thinking: I hope I made the right move in calling the Tall Indian Guy and agreeing to a coffee date.
As Katy pointed out in her comment, I've now confirmed my address to a possible serial killer. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best, right?

Thinking: Some dude walking thru the train has his hat on sideways. He looks like he walked into a wall. No offense to any of you who can't place a hat on straight...

Thinking: I have a first date tonight - no one you know, and he has never left any notes to tip me off to creepsterville.
What will I wear? I'm so lucky to have Liza, my very own Upper Eastside wardrobe consultant. Live-in.

Thinking: Lovey - Bestie and Roomie - went apple picking while I was out of town. I love apples! I'm so looking forward to going home to my roommates, apples, dvr, and my bed... oh how I've missed the amenities of the UES while at my work conference.

Thinking: I'm so glad I extended my trip to spend some quality time with the fam. I got to see my brother and sister-in-law in Virginia, and the 4 cutest kids in the world. I gave my nephew a free hotel pen and he said, "oh my goodness, this is my first very own pen Aunt UG!" I'm pretty sure he will remember that moment for years to come... Who can forget their first very own pen?

And now my mind is empty. I can now think only of the train bathroom. With dread. Tears in my eyes and dread in my heart.

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not so secret admirer

2010-09-22T09:41:00.005-04:00

Have you ever had a secret admirer? Let me tell you what it's like.
Except for the part that my secret admirer is not a secret. But oh well, it's kind of like the same thing.

When I woke up this morning, on my day off, there was an envelope stuck under the front door. Inside was a folded up note that reads:

---------------------
Subj: "Unorthodox"

To: The Brunette, who has a roundish cute face, who I think lives here

From: Tall Indian guy who has seen you in the building and in the elevator occasionally. Unfortunately, you're never alone - so I couldn't introduce myself.

If you'd like to grab coffee or a drink sometime - please call or text.

-Tall Indian guy (212-Admirer)
[Name and phone number changed to protect my admirer]
---------------------

And there you have it folks.

Confusingly enough, there are two brunettes in my apartment. I mean, Liza is a Blondie, so we can safely rule her out (barring red-green color blindness). But, hi, Lovey is a "brunette who has a roundish cute face". Super cute in fact.

However, Lovey has no frame of reference for a "Tall Indian guy" in the building. And I think I know exactly who it is. I often see a "Tall Indian guy" in the elevator. And he's pretty good looking.

My roomies thought this was a very romantic gesture, while my immediate reaction is stalker. A romantic stalker, if you will. How does he know where I live? Did he follow me? Did he leave the same note under every door in the hallway?
Possibly.

I looked through the peep-hole and there was no stalker standing by, and this is just one note. So instead of jumping to extremes, I'm going to officially dub this "Tall Indian guy" an admirer rather than jump to stalker. For now.

Now then. What is your initial reaction? I'm def gonna ask my guy-friends for their reactions. Future-Brother-in-Law, what do you think? Tell me everything.

I'm considering calling the number and going for coffee. What would you do? Any advice for this Uptown Girl?

How did this happen??

2010-09-14T16:01:00.003-04:00

I'll be turning 30 soon. In 3 months actually (allegedly).

I've been dreading this for so many many years and yet it feels as though something has crept up on me overnight.

30.

Me.

Bizarro.

Bizarro Station.

The fact is: I think I'm ready. Ready to take on the world. That's what 30 year olds do right?

Blading Beauty

2010-09-13T12:29:00.002-04:00

This is what I did on Saturday...

Do I resemble Rollerblading Barbie?

Or does she resemble me?

Gotta go to Mo's

2010-09-08T21:09:00.004-04:00

Here I am.
Yes, contrary to popular belief, I am still alive and kicking.
Busy, suffering from writer's block, not reading any blogs, distracted, distract-able, and kicking.

I may or may not have neglected to write because I know a certain someone sometimes reads my blog. And I started feeling a bit self-conscious about sharing my innermost thoughts and feelings over the internet when I knew he might read it. Is that cryptic enough?

Good. Moving on.

The most interesting news I have to report is this: I bought some rollerblades today! And wrist/elbow/knee pads. At Modell's. Gotta go to Mo's.
I also got some sweet tips from the adorable sales-dude. I'm hoping to avoid serious injury via the sales-dude tips, wrist pads, and blading on flat ground for the time being. We'll see.

Maybe next I'll join roller-derby. Most def. Do I have to wear a helmet for that?

ghost-town

2010-08-13T16:50:00.003-04:00

Oops.

Work has been busy and consuming this week. And so has my social calendar.

Please forgive me for my unscheduled absence in the world wide web. I think of you often and have a couple posts rolling around in my head. But no time to write them!

I'm heading out to see an outdoor screening of Ghostbusters tonight. I'm sure this excursion will add itself to my list of ideas to post about. I hope it proves to be as amazing and life-like as it was in my childhood. Bill Murray was cute then, right? I don't recall.

I should end this by saying "I ain't afraid of no ghost". But that would be a lie. I'm afraid of ghosts and serial killers. And Monday mornings. And Brooklyn.

Here I come weekend!

Last night a DJ saved my life

2010-08-06T12:00:00.007-04:00

You know how I love me some sweet tunes? Who doesn't. Come on. I've posted in the past about how a certain song can bring me back to a feeling, a moment, a bremory, and an era.

Life changes so much and yet things stay so much the same. I'm in a new genre today. Spanish Rock. Mainly: Mana and Juanes. My coworker is ready to kill me for playing it non-stop. But, that's nothing new. Wink to the wink wink.

In this place in my life, the genre is new bc I never hear it anymore, but really it played a large role in my relationship with my Latin eX-husband. I've been thinking about and talking about said eX so much lately that it is making me wonder. Why?

As Lovey (my bestie who happens to be a therapist to the stars) never fails to remind me, it is a good thing to feel my feelings and think about whatever is surfacing rather than distract myself and stuff my feelings. As is my inclination. I find that she is right about most things and this is no exception. Therefore, I'm rocking out in Spanish today in hopes that I can get these memories to the surface and that they will then dissipate.

These days my feelings about my eX are way chilled out compared to how intense they used to be. I no longer feel homicidal and maniacal, and I can see my part in the mess formerly known as us.

And my Catholic annulment came thru. 100 percenta!

I'm happy in my life and relieved to have that chapter closed. Officially closed. I love my roomies and living situation and I continue to be relieved not to live with the eX - but after a lot of time and distance.... I ever so humbly confess that I wouldn't want to live with myself in that relationship either. We were a toxic combo and my worstest possible qualities were on fire. Not a pretty place for an Uptown Girl to be.

That said, I'm listening to Bendita Tu Luz and offering a prayer for the eX. That he may come to a place of peace and joy, self-awareness, and love.

My prayers for him used to be quite different. So, in light of that, I also have a prayer of thanksgiving for my own growth and insight into the past (and for the annulment!). I know it will help me with my present and my future.

cloud 9

2010-08-03T18:04:00.001-04:00

Just now I was in old the elevator with an old man. He turned to me and said, "what weighs more, you or your purse?"
I took it as a compliment. My purse isn't even all that heavy today. What a charmer.

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I'm IT

2010-07-31T10:18:00.003-04:00

I've been tagged by one of the most fabulous bloggers, Ann from Daily Ann-tidote. Remember when we met IRL? How sacot are we?

Well, Ann was tagged to answer some Qs and then she tagged yours truly. I'm copy/pasting her post so I can be as lazy as possible about this. Don't worry, I'll be sure to change the answers. Otherwise I could be arrested for plagiarism or something.

1) What's a perfect styling for you?
I have no idea. I do love wearing classics and anything reminiscent of Jackie O, so lets go with that.

2) For what do you spend most of your money?
Going out to eat. In fact I have another afternoon food-tour planned today. Planned to lighten my wallet I suppose.

3) What's your favorite song at this moment?
Ours by The Bravery... and countless others.

4) Which excellences do you think you have?
I don't understand this question. I'm excellent all around Don't you think? I know!

5) And What are your failings?
Failings? Really? I'm an Uptown Girl. If I had to choose something I'd say procrastination. Right now I'm supposed to be cleaning my apartment.

And now I tag these bloggers:
Liza (or any contributor) at Own It... duh

Homeward Bound

2010-07-25T12:05:00.001-04:00

I'm sitting at the airport waiting to board my flight to NY. And I'm sad.
By the end of a trip I'm usually ready to get home and get back to my peeps and my life. As much as I do def miss my bed and my besties back in the concrete jungle that I lovingly call home... I also already miss my besties that I just hugged, kissed, and honked goodbye.
And my lakehouse and Lake Ponchartrain. And my two two-year old boyfriends.

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My boyfriend...

2010-07-24T11:14:00.001-04:00

He's a little south of my age range, but maybe that's why our relationship works so well? Also he gives great hugs.

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Crawfish Time

2010-07-24T11:06:00.001-04:00

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sunset on the front porch

2010-07-22T23:06:00.001-04:00

can you say yummy?
mmmm
got 2 love it.

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on stilts

2010-07-22T23:03:00.001-04:00

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tech difficulty

2010-07-22T01:08:00.001-04:00

bleh. I can't even edit my posts remotely... at all.
Please try to overlook and ignore my typos in vacay posts here on out.
kthanksbye.

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and so it begins...

2010-07-22T01:00:00.001-04:00

I just typed up a long elaborate post about the start of my Louisiana vacay with my college girls.
I'm way too frustrated with Blogger-Droid to type the whole priceless post.

Try to be satisfied with this photo and my vacay stats.

Vacay Stats:
11 college girlfriends.
4 of their husbands (one of whom us also a college friend is mine).
4 cabins which turned out to be posh beach houses that sit ON the water.
14 children under 4 years old.

Endless running, screaming, laughing, eating, and fun.

Happy Vacay Blogland! ttfn mi amor!

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Status=Hiatus

2010-07-13T22:43:00.004-04:00

If the virtual world of social media has taught me anything of use (it hasn't), it is that people want a status update now and again. This isn't always the case, but people like to think that other people care about the update. And, of course, people don't always care. But you care about my status updates and that's what matters.

The update is that I'm on a dating hiatus. Partly by choice and partly by accepting the situation for what it is. Yes, I already updated this status, I suppose, when I told you I ended my online dating career. I was utterly fed up with online dating and frustrated by my own obsession with it. I mean... come on. Who wants to hear all that "why didn't he call?" and "maybe he'll call tonight" and "oh what a d-bag" all the time, over and over in your own head? Not me. It was at the point where I was annoying myself and, well, it was pretty annoying. Believe me.

And now, on my hiatus, I have a clearer head and a peaceful heart. I'm much happier with my singleness. Read: I'm content. It means that I'm on a break from stressing out about what is. This by no means means that I'm not open to dating. Feel free to send your brother, cousin, son, guy-friend, or co-worker my way. Just please only send grown-ups. Literally and figuratively.

My mancation* is all that it's cracked up to be. I know all the answers to all the silly little "He's Just Not That Into You" questions. The answer is.... NO. No he's no calling tonight. Read: I don't need to check my phone a zillion times and get disappointed a zillion times. It's freeing, chillaxing, and calmer.

~~My roommates~~ Some might compare me to Ginnifer Goodwin's role in the "He's Just Not That Into You" movie. Full of hope and pouring oodles of effort into meeting someone who fills her heart with joy. Only to be consistently crushed. [aside: this applies in the Leading Up To A Relationship stage of dating. To reveal my In A Relationship behavior and personality, please see the long ridiculous and embarassing post that i haven't yet written.]

Like this character, I'm repeating a mantra. "I'm not the exception, I'm the rule". As you would imagine, this mantra is quite convoluted for an Uptown Girl to wrap her brain around.
I'm so used to being a special, unique, and exceptional Uptown Girl, that it is a lot of work to convince me that "I'm the rule". And that "Men Love Bitches". That's another one I need to work on... being more of a bi-otch to the men I date.

Do you see?? See what happens? Not 2 paragraphs ago, I was telling you how calm I am. And a moment later I'm already deciding what I need to work on and tell myself and how to behave so these men (who, I can readily admit, are the biggest idiots and douches out there) will like me! This is problem. I don't want to have to play some stupid manipulative game.

I need this mancation. A well deserved break from acting "approachable yet aloof". That's hard work. I want to just let my hair down. Or, more like, put it in a ponytail. I want to be myself and hang with the people who can see and love that self. And that is all.

For now.

*according to the world wide web, mancation is a vacay for men. according to me, it is a vacay from them.

The Lady in Spain

2010-07-11T23:17:00.003-04:00

Felicidades España!

I adore Ingrid Michaelson. Spain winning La Copa del Mundo is as good an excuse as any to play this delightful song.

I can be
anything that I see
I can be anything that I
anything that I see...

I'm sure these lyrics are all the rage in Spain as they revel in their World Cup gana. No doubt.

Newsies

2010-07-09T15:22:00.005-04:00

In New York, we have multiple free newspapers. Every morning people hand out 2 of said freebies in the subway stations. Aggressively.

I stopped taking the papers because:

1- I'm on a crossword puzzle break.

2- There are sometimes offensive ads (like for that website that facilitates married people cheating... and it shall not be named on this blog) and there is no reason to get any crankier in the morning.

3- If I don't end up reading the paper I still have to carry it around.

Anywho.

At the first station, where I squeeze my body onto the subway, there is this dude that stands directly in my path, in front of the top of the stairs. He tries to hand the paper out and I say "no thanks" everyday and push past him.

When I arrive at my stop, after practicing my defensive line skills and making my way off the train, there is a man handing out the same paper and yelling, "free, free, free, free, free, free, free!".

Then again, "free, free, free, free, free, free, free!".

I keep walking.

Every morning this week, this overly-caffeinated newsie was yelling, "LeBron, LeBron, LeBron, LeBron, LeBron, LeBron, LeBron!".

And then again, "LeBron, LeBron, LeBron, LeBron, LeBron, LeBron, LeBron!".

There you have it people. I don't need to read the Metro or AM. I get my headlines yelled at me and drilled into my head. Reading becomes an unnecessary task.

*In reality I now read my news online on my INCREDIBLE new phone outfitted with the handy dandy world wide web wherever I go. Except in the subway. Drat.

Some real news: Manhattan is getting a Target.

B-A-N-A-N-A-S

anticipation kills

2010-07-07T09:22:00.005-04:00

In two short weeks I'm leaving on a jet-plane on vacay! My college girlfriends and I have been planning a mini-reunion for over a year now. We're all heading down to a lake in Louisiana where we've rented out cabins.

Camping, if you will.

My version of camping includes beds, running water, a roof, electricity, loads of bug spray, and a kitchen. So Parent Trap-esque. Obvi. I am interested in attempting that other kind of camping I've heard so much about. Someday.

The point is, I'm uber excited to see so many besties that I haven't seen in ages & years. You know the kind of friends that last a lifetime? When you see each other it's like no time has passed and you can pick up right where you left off? Yeah, that's what it's like when I see these girls. We all lead busy lives in various cities and states and we don't talk as often as we used to. I haven't even met most of the kids that will be there and barely know the husbands. We keep in touch via Facebook photos, mass emails, and an occasional phone call or text. I know if I update my profile pic, I'll get comments from my girls. And when one of them gets a haircut with bangs... I'm all over that.

I really can't wait for my Louisiana vacay - in the sweltering heat, with insects galore, and oil already in our lake - because it's basically bound to be sensational.

For Vienna

2010-07-05T22:46:00.003-04:00

As much as I loved to hate Vienna (of the Bachelor for those of you who live in, on, or under a rock) a few months ago... I now feel surprisingly empathetic towards her. Consider this heart warmed.
In light of that fuzzy fact, I would like to share my most fave bad-break-up song ever. EVER. It is my freedom song and I'm lending it to Vienna for now.

Beach bum

2010-07-02T15:41:00.004-04:00

This weekend I'll be going from here

to here

be jealous.

[I know what you're thinking. And, yes, that is the Jersey Shore sans Snooki. It's better and cleaner that way.]

book worming

2010-06-30T11:02:00.005-04:00

I'm part of a pretty sensational book club comprised of 4 close friends and yours truly.

Right now we are finishing up the best book I've read in the last couple years: "East of Eden" by Steinbeck.

What genius. I've laughed, I've cried, and I've thought about lots of deep stuff. Sorta philosophical if you will.

Oh you will? Great.

As we are beginning the end (last 100 pages coming right up), The Club is discussing what to read next. Maybe something we can really sink our teeth into. Wow, hunger pang.

We're thinking historical fiction. What is your fave historical fiction? Do share. And, if you're very lucky, I might just suggest your book to The Ladies of the Club ("The Ladies of the Club" is the title of a book I couldn't get thru. Bleh book. Great title. Good advice= don't judge a book by it's cover. Yeah. I bet you've never heard that before, have you?).

Historical Fiction I've read and loved:

The Josephine Bonaparte Collection by Sandra Gulland

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

Other Books That I Can't Think of Now by Early Onset Alzheimer's

Your faves please?

Because it's Friday

2010-06-25T15:38:00.004-04:00

Because it's Friday, I can't remember if i have any workplace grievances this week. All I know is that I'm utterly confused about the whole McCrystal debacle.

I mean.... everytime I watch or read news this week, I learn something new or contradictory to the last time I tuned in.

What boggles my mind is #1- the game of Boggle, and #2- that in this day and age, someone would be so dumb as to somehow dis their boss publicly. Don't you know that you don't do that on Facebook, loudspeaker, or magazine article?

[Aside: please don't be offended Blogland. By "you" here, I don't actually mean you. I mean Generals. I think I can safely assume that Generals in general don't read my blog as I never refer to war, weapons, or ammunition. Sometimes hot men in uniform, but even that is rare. Note to self....]

If you don't have something nice to say, come sit next to me.

In writing, workplace slander should only occur on an anonymous blog. Not even in email. Now, if you ask me if I've ever complained about my boss in writing, well, I'd have to plead the Fifth... but I do know it's a bad idea. Obvi. Plus, my boss isn't the President of the U S of A. Or even the boss of the company. Don't tell him I said that though.

You're welcome for all this etiquette advice.

Always remember, in the words of a very wise woman with a scarily auto-tuned voice:

Money can't buy you class. Elegance is learned, my friends.

Incredible

2010-06-21T17:57:00.001-04:00

Does anyone have the Droid Incredible?
I just got it a couple days ago and I'm still playing slash figuring it all out slash developing an addiction.

As you can see, I can post from anywhere now. But I don't know if there is an app that will let me read blogs easily?? Your blog to be exact.
I am so way behind in my blog reading these days. I could stalk you better if there were an app for that.

Maybe it is listed under S for "Stalker" rather than B for "Blogger".

I'll find out. Oh I will.

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the tally

2010-06-21T17:01:00.004-04:00

Thank you for voting on the poll. Clearly you all (but one) think I should continue the online dating.

I'm a big rebel though (ask my mom). I ended my subscription. I just can't take it anymore.

For now, I'll try to keep seeing the men I met online and meet the rest organically.

In real life.

The old fashioned way: drunk at a bar with a low cut top.

Negative. That was a lie. Trashy is not so much my style. I prefer to be a classy lady and bring all the boys to the yard in more subtle ways. Using telepathy and subliminal messaging. And batting my eyes like Betty Boop. Now she had it going on.

Somehow my skills don't yield a high return (although I'm having luck with 30 Rock men), but I will continue to practice and bring you some stories.

For now, TV Man is keeping me distracted. I'll report back with more deets a-s-a-p. Maybe later tonite.

mtg all of 30 rock

2010-06-20T20:53:00.001-04:00

yeah. I am meeting the cast of 30 Rock... one comedian at a time.
Maybe next will be that cute new guy.
Here's hoping!

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my own hue

2010-06-08T17:36:00.005-04:00

Life is a train of moods like a string of beads;

and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses,

which paint the world their own hue,

and each shows us only what lies in its own focus.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I read this quote on my way to work this morning on the subway. I guess it's true what they say: you can find inspiration anywhere. It inspired me. Inspired me to blog! I've been so busy at work lately that I haven't taken the time to post. And I haven't felt that nagging feeling that says, "Uptown Girl, the world needs to hear about ____ topic! Write about this:____!" AKA, no real inspiration.

But, please reread that quote. For me, it is so true. Truth. Word. It speaks to me and it says: choose your attitude because your attitude changes everything. When I'm in a bad mood, everything seems bleak. But when I even try a little bit to break out of that mood, well the sun begins to shine in my mind. Lately I've been breaking out of the yucky mood when it arises by getting grateful. Putting things in perspective.

My perspective is this:

I have a job, friends who I love, family who I love, a great apartment, and my finances are looking up. I'm healthy and able to be active. I have a 2nd date with TV man on Saturday. And my sister lets me borrow her great accessories and wardrobe whenever I want.

Life is good. My problems are luxury problems (at least right now). Problems do exist and I by no means think that it's good to walk through life with rose colored glasses all the time... that would be tacky. However, I should be rejoicing rather than complaining about the weather or my hair or boys, for example. But when I let myself sink into that yucky mood, I feel hopeless about my bangs and my good job and men. I let myself forget. I start to see through a blue lens.

Perspective is everything.

I have one patient who is a girl my age, wheelchair bound, has difficulty speaking (although she does speak) and moving, and yet every single time I see her she has a huge smile and gives me a hug. Her hugs are giving hugs. They are full of warmth and love and they seem to be hugs that she knows people need. She never says this, but I feel as though when she opens her arms for a hug it is like "here, you need a hug". Anywho. She gives me perspective. Life is what you make of it.

Today I got some incredible news and my mood is lifted. And I look good today (if I do say so myself). My hair is behaving. There is low humidity. I'm eating surf&turf for dinner tonight. For free. What could be better? My lens is a bright sunny yellow.

Da Do Run Run Run Da Do Run Run

2010-06-02T12:18:00.005-04:00

So the Friday night date re-cap is a little overdue. Please excuse me, I know you've been waiting anxiously.

I will refer to this guy as TV man. You guessed it. He works in television. Behind the scenes, although he is cute enough to be on camera.

This is a first date story of SUCCESS! TV Man = a keeper! At least until after date #2 when I will again re-evaluate. Statistically, let's just say his chances don't look so good. It's not my decision, it's just math.

Ok. Yes. It is my decision. And I'm attempting to remain in a certain state of mind. The state of pleasantly surprised.

It works like this:

Date #1 went smoothly. How do I feel? Pleasantly surprised.

TV Man texted me something cute the next day. How do I feel? Pleasantly surprised that he followed up.

Tuesday night, TV Man called and asked me for Date #2 (and has a whole elaborate plan in mind). How do I feel? Pleasantly surprised.

My BFF Lovey taught me this technique. My usual state of mind with dating is more extreme. Either the state of high expectations OR the state of expecting disaster, doom & gloom, and calamity. This technique is your basic no expectations approach. Seems to be working for me.

TV Man travels a lot, so coordinating Date #2 is tricky and still up in the air. Afterall, I'm an Uptown Girl and my schedule (to be pronounced like "shed"- the fancy way) is quite busy. Between my elite array of activities and TV Man's globe-trotting lifestyle, we may lose some momentum, or we may not. Time will tell.

To be completely honest, as always, I don't think I would mind dating someone who travels often. I like my Independence and my girltime and, unless I'm super into a guy, I don't want to see him everyday anyways. That said, I'm looking to get super into a guy. Soooooo in that case maybe I would actually want him around? How is this supposed to work?

Enough rambling for one lunch break. I will keep you abreast of the situation. Because I know you care. Deeply.

first-date-stats

2010-05-27T23:43:00.003-04:00

I have another first date tomorrow night. It's getting to be ridiculous already. My roommates know exactly what I'll say when I get home and they ask about the date.

Me: "It was ok. He was really nice, but I don't really like him like that". Every. single. time.

In the last 5 months, I've gone out with 7 guys from online, 2 guys from real life. 13 dates total.

I sort of liked one guy a little bit (the pilot), and he texted but never called. Rude. I totally liked another guy after only 2 dates and then he dropped off of planet Earth. You do the math. That leaves 7 dudes that I didn't like for one reason or another.

Statistically speaking, I will have a lovely evening eating seafood with my date tomorrow, but will not want to go out with the man again. That is: 85% probability with a mean of 3.

I made that up but I'm sure it is leftover knowledge from my college statistics course. 50% sure.

Anywhooooo this leads me to my newest poll. Yay blog!
Please see the top right-hand internet banner thing and VOTE about my online dating future. My future is in your hands and your mouse. Choose wisely.

Ali

2010-05-24T14:49:00.003-04:00

The Bachelorette starts tonight...

To be completely honest, I have mixed feelings about Ali.
However:
25 of America's hottest bachelors in one tv show? Doing idiotic over-the-top stuff to win 1 girl? Interviews with studs saying they are in love with a total stranger?

Yeah. I wouldn't miss it.

Shake it like a polaroid picture

2010-05-20T23:24:00.003-04:00

I went to a dance class last night at the gym. Latin dance to be exact.
I Cha-cha-cha'd, I Salsa'd, I Samba'd. I don't know how to signify the past tense of these dances. Clearly. That's why I put the 'd.

Anywho back to the Samba. I didn't really get that one and sort of just jumped around. Like skipping while moving my hips. Picture that.

I know, right? Beautiful.

I'm still sore. Yeah, as in: everytime I walk up or down stairs, or try to sit in a chair, or on a toilet (if this is tmi for you, then cover your eyes for the rest) my thighs burn and I have to grab hold of something or someone to keep me steady. I had the same feeling after I walked up 25 flights up stairs for exercise one rainy day a couple months ago.

If you want I can teach you how to Latin dance since you could say I'm sort of like an expert now. Sort of like that.

My inspiration for dance of all types is (of course) the great Napoleon. He knows how to shake his groove thing and move it move it. Uh huh. Aww yeah.

Enjoy this video. It will make your day. Obvi.

I pay attention to current events

2010-05-19T08:30:00.003-04:00

Since everybody knows that sharing equals caring, I will happily share my knowledge via someecards.

I'm hoping that someecards will make a card about that dude hoping to get elected who mis-spoke about his service in/during Vietnam. I laugh everytime it comes on the news, so that'll be a good one. Fo shizzle.

I posted...

2010-05-18T13:12:00.003-04:00

I posted over here at Own It today.

About this "real size" model.

Check it out.

Uptown = where it's at.

2010-05-16T21:40:00.005-04:00

Last night I left the comfort of the Upper Eastside and headed downtown to a rooftop party in the West Village. It was epic. My bro has a kick-arse rooftop with a sweet view and fun friends. Like me.

The point of this post, however, is to outline why Uptown is superior to Downtown... for those of you who aren't yet convinced. It's far superior. There. Now you know.

When I left the party and looked for a cab, there were none. Zero. My date and I walked all the way East, near Astor Place, before finding a lone cab shining its little light. That is a lie. The cab had people in it and we saw that they were paying and getting out. So we stole the cab before the rightful next passengers noticed. I confess. I stole a cab. But, in my defense, I had been walking for what felt like miles in my Bandolino peep-toe wedges and needed to get back Uptown like [blogfollowers: insert clever analogy here and feel free to comment on it].

Just before finding the only cab in all of downtown NY, we were forced to walk through a makeshift pathway beneath scaffolding (almost every block of NYC has construction). In the pathway were the following:
-a pair of black boots (Aerosoles I think)
-a scent of rank nastiness
-a dead mouse

Also, my date reeeeally wanted to kiss me. Can you blame him? Poor guy. Alas, it was unrequited chemistry.

When I finally made it back to ~~Heaven~~ the Upper Eastside, I saw:
-multiple free taxis shining their lights like stars in the night
-zero dead mice
-ok zero dead or live rodents
-zero men trying to kiss me

I don't know how that last one became an UES plus. Last night it felt like one. Letmetellyou. I was quite happy to have my autonomy back.

Serio. Uptown. What's not to love?

cest la vie

2010-05-10T23:11:00.002-04:00

Life has been happening a lot lately. To me.
Serio. Serio-city. Life= busy station.

Quick run-down for you:
Work has been so crazy of late that... one could say that I've been held hostage from Blogland. Without ransom.

My allergies are acting up so much that... one could say my eyes are a river of dreams. Like the song.

I celebrated my mom for 2 days this weekend... one could say she's the luckiest mom in NJ. Have you ever seen a show with "Jersey" in the title? It's not a far leap to say that having an Uptown Girl for a daughter is pretty sweet.

Gym= joined. I'm now a proud member of an indoor gym. Will exercising indoors help the allergies? Maybe.

There's more - fun stuff - regular stuff - living life stuff. And I miss you Blogland. Oh how I do.

Kiss kiss.

xoxo,
Uptown Girl

al fresco

2010-05-04T22:30:00.003-04:00

You should totally see my tan. I was looking at my arms a minute ago and they looked uber tan. I got a little excited.

Can you believe the summer is right around the corner?

My hair has been believing it the last couple days - getting all frizzy and wavy in the humidity. It's a beautiful thing. That is a lie...

I really have spent a lot of time outside lately - running, walking around, shopping, and just reveling in the warmth. You could say I'm pretty outdoorsy. I like eating al fresco. That is, if al fresco means eating outside. And, just to clarify: I like eating outside unless it is super humid, in which case I prefer air conditioning. Oh, I also hate mosquitoes, so if there are bugs around I also prefer the indoors. Please take note.

Serio though, I can't wait til summer vacay when I can sit poolside or on the beach and have zero responsibilities to speak of. I'm not a student, but having the whole summer off is sort of my fantasy. What are your fave outdoor activities and summer fantasies? Summer outdoor Beach Boys concerts? Flying kites? Ultimate frisbee golf league? Now, don't get crazy... but do tell.

xoxo,
Uptown Girl

ps- I was sitting in a shadow. My arms aren't actually tan. It was just an illusion. Too bad, so sad.

You have a really pretty smile

2010-04-30T19:24:00.004-04:00

When I was walking home yesterday, some guy said to me: "you have a really pretty smile".
Yes. I do, don't I?

However.
I wasn't smiling.
It must be this dude's only line. Truth be told, he wasn't my type anyway. At-all.So, I turned up my iTunes and kept walking. I started smiling soon after though, because, hello! it was pretty hilario if I do say so myself. And I do. I say so.

Have an awesome blossom weekend and remember, as they say... smile, it won't mess up your hair!

can't focus

2010-04-28T15:28:00.004-04:00

I can't focus all of a sudden

although I need to get some work did

like it's* nobody's business.

NEED-TO-FOCUS

Just thought you should know.

*can someone please explain how to use it's versus its?

Food Tour

2010-04-27T12:09:00.003-04:00

This morning I was running late to work. I'm not sure why. All I remember is that I didn't want to get out of bed. But I did get out of bed and that is what counts, right? Apparently that is not what counts to my boss. She wants me to swipe in on time. This ensures a stressful start to my day Monday thru Friday. Rude.

Anyway, like I said, today I was running late and this translates into: I didn't have time to stop and get coffee. Sad, I know. I thought I would get into work, swipe in, and go back out for my beverage... but it didn't happen like that.

Now, I know you are wondering, "what in the heck does this have to do with the Food Tour?". And I am wondering why you are so impatient sometimes. Alas, it is all connected little one.

Having missed my morning coffee today, I'm living on the memory of The-Best-Coffee-of-My-Life that I sipped slowly on Sunday during the Food Tour (see: connection made).

On Sunday afternoon I left the comfort of my home, the Upper Eastside, and trekked all the way to the Lower East Side (LES) with my friend David (the group grew to 4 ppl by the end bc it was so irresistible... keep reading). We embarked upon an adventure: our very own food tour. First stop on our personal Food Tour was a place called Cocoa, on Clinton Street just south of Houston. I had a Chocolatte. I think it was actually pure cocoa that was added to my latte because it had a bitter taste. I know that sounds ick, but let me tell you, it was amazing. A-ma-zing. The memory of my Chocolatte is carrying me thru this coffee-less Tuesday. Literally. Carrying me.

We then went to a place nearby for thin-crust pizza. As I am a Pizza-Snob, I will not even bother describing said pizza. It isn't worth my time. Or yours. I must say that the place had a cool ambiance and fireplace tho. That does count for something, right?

Next we headed to the coveted Clinton Street Baking Company for their pancakes and huevos rancheros. Yum. The pancakes were fluffy, light, filled with and topped with blueberries. I give them an A- on my pancake grading scale. The parts of the huevos rancheros that I tasted were delish. However, I only had a couple bites since I have a diagnosed fear and aversion to runny yolks. It's a thing.

What could we do next but head next door for creme brulee at Dessert Truck Works? If I start thinking about the rich, creamy, sweet, cute, and custardy creme brulee right now I will start to drool on my desk. Since the desk is covered in paperwork I should be doing, this must be avoided and I need to go eat either my arm or some lunch.

Next time we are taking the Food Tour on the road. That's right, we'll be taking the crosstown bus and checking out some Upper Westside eateries. Any suggestions or faves? We'll prob focus on more salty than sweet next time. Just to be fair.

I am Uptown Girl

2010-04-26T15:15:00.003-04:00

Sort of like Superman. One could say I'm like the superhero of the Upper Eastside. One could say that. One would be right.

Here I am high above Manhattan in my ultra-chic mask. You know, to protect my alter ego identity.

And here is a pic of my friend and counterpart Brooklyn Girl. She is a little more BoHo, flying barefoot. I wear heels when flying because, after all, I am Uptown Girl.

In the words of one of the greatest bands of all time...

2010-04-23T09:25:00.004-04:00

Hold on for one more day.

[warning: if you have to work this weekend,

please consult your doctor before reading this post]

have

made

FRIDAY!!!

One more day til freedom & relaxation station. To be honest, I have a lot on my plate this wknd: a lot of fun.
Saturday I'm going running and I'm gonna volunteer for the coolest organization. It's only my second time lending a hand for this group, so I want to make sure I have staying power before I tell you all about what I'm up to, brag about how giving and wonderful I am, and make you jealous. It's very thoughtful of me while cryptic and exciting at the same time, right? I know.

Anywho, back to my freedom plan. Saturday night I have two - count them 2 - bday parties to attend. It can be a little awkward for someone like me to attend a party for which I am not the guest of honor. I try to look at it like this: at least I can celebrate someone else's aging process rather than my own. I'll drink to that.

Then on Sunday, I'll go to church and then on a food tour of NYC. What better way to celebrate the Lord's Day than via my taste buds? My friend and I still need to map out our route to fatty heaven, but let's just say that I'm dreaming in butter and chocolate. [aside: chocolate can help prevent strokes ... I read that in Redbook so it has to be true.]

In closing, I'd like to quote another great song that was most likely referring to Friday...

Friday, you make me feel like a natural woman.

off track blogging

2010-04-20T21:35:00.004-04:00

I read a great quote in "Women's Fitness" today. I decided I would blog about it. I then gave the magazine away. Oh well... I do have multiple issues piled up in my apartment of that and several other magazines.

I don't even remember subscribing to "Women's Fitness"(to be fair: I am a woman, and I do care about fitness). Allegedly I sign up for mags on the daily. It's kinda my thing. But, I don't always read them slash I have a two and a half foot pile of old mags to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Moral of the story: I don't have that quote for you but I do have an old issue of Redbook with your name on it. Would you like to read all about the freshest winter holiday decorations in Elle Decor? I'm your girl. I'm also offering some Easter coloring books complete with bunnies and eggs colored in a lifelike way with pastel crayons by yours truly (and my roomies) last spring. We're a very artistic bunch. Just saying.

Who Doesn't Love a Tape Worm?

2010-04-16T14:07:00.002-04:00

I want to "EAT EAT EAT & ALWAYS STAY THIN".

Good deal.

Jar Packed Tape Worms here I come!

hi there

2010-04-15T15:46:00.006-04:00

Hello Blogland.
.
I'm uber busy at work this week - a good thing because I have less time to be bored and less time to dream about and search for other jobs. Although I'm def considering doing that. But, there are SO many factors involved in a change that I go .. p r r r e t t y .. s l o w l y.
.
There is less time for me to obsess about the boy I like who hasn't called me. Is he dead? Deathly ill? Did his phone and computer both break? Did he lose his mind? Laryngitis?
.
Next!
.
I also have less time this week for my blogging passion. That means you. Hi you. Miss you ;)
.
For all you worriers, please rest assured that my voice is back at about 90% and I'm feeling much better. Still have a slight rasp. It just makes me sound sexy. Even more sexy, if you can imagine that. Wait, don't imagine it, that's creepy.
.
I'm so busy I can't even write a great post about how I'm going to happy hour after work tonight. A happy hour I planned but I'm not paying for. Be jealous.
ttfn!

At least I can type

2010-04-12T13:36:00.004-04:00

I'm at work with laryngitis (one symptom of my current allergy cocktail). It is pretty hilarious actually. My job is about 75% talking on the phone to patients, insurance companies, pharmacies, and medical professionals. Today? Zero percenta talking on the phone. I'm listening to messages and asking other people in the office to make calls for me. Bossing others around happens to be one of my best sports. In the meantime, I'm getting lots of backed-up paperwork done, sending faxes, and emailing (work-related of course).

I just saw one of the doctors in the hallway and attempted to give him a message. He asked me "do you have something wrong with your voice?"... since I was basically whispering. I told him I have laryngitis and the doctor replied, "oh ok, cuz I thought you were worried about people snooping". In a medical practice everything goes back to HIPAA. Always.
.

Most everyone at work that finds out about my disappearing voice has said, "oh, were you doing something fun this weekend?" To which I respond by whispering, "yes, but nothing that would make me lose my voice". I mean, what fun activity would make me go hoarse? A heavy metal concert? This isn't the early '90s. I have yet to think of any other fun voice losing activities but maybe I'm just lacking creative juices today. Studies show that creativity and voice are linked traits 83% of the time. I just made that up to show I have mad creative skills even on an off day.

idea

2010-04-09T13:34:00.006-04:00

I might start thinking about possibly maybe buying a bike. And riding it.

PROS: fun. feels like flying. outdoorsy. cute. can sing DoReMe and pretend I'm in the Sound of Music.

CONS: storage. fear of riding bike down hills. inability to ride bike up hills. sometimes I fall off of bikes when trying to stop. don't understand concept of gears.

I want this one.

I can be like Barbie.

But a nice beach bike is prob not the most practical for riding in NYC. I need something practical. And lots of armour: helmet, knee pads, elbow pads? Who knows.

Anywho, just an idea I'm thinking about. My friend Lovey and I might rent bikes for a day, ride around the hood (the Upper Eastside to be specific) and see how it goes. I should prob do this and find out about bike storage in my building before I buy one. Also, do you know about this 10-speed thing? Sounds tricky.

Happy weekend!

- enjoy it - live it - own it - move it - do it-

as promised

2010-04-07T11:22:00.002-04:00

This is the best pic of me, post-race. I don't even look as gross as I felt (in this particular shot!). You can tell it was hot by my rolled up sleeves and red face.

Looks like I'm doing a touchdown dance of sorts. Everybody does that, right? If you don't, then you should try it. Believe me. It's hot.

Give away!

2010-04-06T15:35:00.003-04:00

You know everybody loves a blog give away. I mean, really, does anyone not love a give away?

With that in mind, I would love for you to give me something.

I've been reeeeally wanting a song for my iPod. "The Call" by Regina Spektor.

The problem? I can only download the song if I buy the whole. freaking. album. And it isn't a Regina Spektor album. It's on a Chronicles of Narnia album. Sooooo clearly I have no need for any of the other songs on that soundtrack. I saw the movie, but I just have zero desire to get the soundtrack. Zero. Well, minus my desire for "The Call".

I propose that if any of you loyal followers are also Regina Spektor followers, and you already have the album, that you give me this one little track.

To enter:
1-Leave a comment with a way I can contact you.
2-Become a follower and comment to let me know for a double entry.

I will be sure to use that random pick thing for fairness.

This is a great give away right? I think so.

Ran my 10K

2010-04-05T17:16:00.004-04:00

I did it. I ran my race and I ~~won!~~ finished.
I even ran at a faster pace than I expected. Less than 11 minute miles. Yes, this is fast for me! Most runners would say this is pretty slow, but for me it is an improvement.

As I ran I thought about all that stuff I said in my last post and I was so grateful for the ability to move and run and enjoy it all. I also thought about the finish line and my peeps waiting there and cheering me on (thanks peeps). My mom even came into the city and surprised me by coming to my race! It was a very sacot moment and I had a wonderful day riding that high I always get after races.

This 10K was my running goal for the entire year. A milestone. I did it and I'm super excited and proud of myself (as always, wink wink). It was pure raw ownage.

Thanks again for all of your encouragement and love. In return I would like to encourage you:

Also, when my lovely Mom figures out how to download from a digital camera and emails me a picture (she took about 200 - true story) I promise to post an uber sweaty and gross shot of me after the race... you're welcome ahead of time.

Dare You to Move

2010-04-01T11:52:00.007-04:00

I have my 10K (6.2 mile) road race on Saturday. Tomorrow. Yikes stripes. And I've never run more than 5 miles before. Yet, I know I can.

I can do this.
My body can do this.
My mind can do this.
My spirit is yearning to do this.

Which begs the question... who the heck am I? For almost my entire life I was a sedentary person. And proud of it. My exercise of choice was walking or sunbathing (I'm sure laying in the sun burns lots of calories because it sure makes me sweat). While I still enjoy both, I now have a new love. Did I say love? Yes.

I have always always loathed physical exercise and avoided it with a passion. Even starting with ~~awkward~~ ~~stupid~~ gym class in middle school. I was voted off my 8th grade field day team because I was that bad. In high school my gym teacher was so lamespice that I luckily had a choice of playing whatever sport was happening (in our gym slash basement that had lots of poles going thru the middle to hold up the rest of the school) or walking (check) or lying on the floor (check check). Woops, I mean doing Richard Simmons Sweating to the Oldies videos or random old ab workout videos and sometimes lying on the floor instead of participating. Obvi.

Clearly I've always had a rock hard body. That is a lie. I always despised exercise while carrying on a juicy love affair with food. I've never embraced my flab or anything like that, but I guess I just ~~hated working out~~ ~~hated slash gained weight with diets~~ never wanted to do all that hard work to get rid of the flabby parts. I mean, have you tasted ice cream? I love ice cream more than I hate flab.

Anywho. When I started running last year I never expected it to become something I'd actually enjoy. I do. I enjoy it, look forward to it, and I schedule running into my week.

I do my best thinking while running, showering, or lying in bed. Now mainly while running.
Some people may figuratively run away from stuff and try to escape their problems in life. I used to do this in mind and spirit as much as humanly possible - deny or avoid problems. Until I didn't. As I realized that denying and avoiding problems didn't make them disappear (more like they come back to bite one's ass) I was forced to start facing my real life stuff and dealing with issues. That is a story for another post, but let's just say I became a girl with gumption.

It is that gumption that led me to tie the running shoes and start running. Running in turn has helped me more than I can say. Ok, I can say how much: this much (picture me openning my arms real wide). Running has become an extension of my therapy. A place where I think about and face all my problems from work to family to grey hair. I now face all the crap that comes my way in body, mind, and spirit when I run.

Where can you run to escape from yourself?

Yeah, that's the best line in "Dare You to Move" by Switchfoot. It speaks to me today. I'm not running away from life these days. Nope. I'm running towards something. Towards myself. Towards freedom. Towards something greater than me- towards my Creator who made my body so able to move and to run. [Thanks for the book about spiritual running Mom!]

Today is Good Friday. A big day for Christians everywhere. So, fitting with the day and also the theme of my post I'll share this sweet quote from Hebrews 12:1...

Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

And with that, I dare you to move.

Dare You To Move - Switchfoot

SMILE.

2010-03-30T09:59:00.006-04:00

On a rainy day like today (thanks to Sam Champion who is so very rude to send us this downpour), I think it's a good idea to brighten up the internet with a smile!

You're never fully dressed without a smile!

-Annie

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.

-Phyllis Diller

Peace begins with a smile.

-Mother Teresa

and my personal fave...

SMILE: it won't mess up your hair!

-Homeless Man on the 6 Train

secret cake club... shhhh!

2010-03-29T09:59:00.004-04:00

Have you heard of the prohibition and how it led to people making their own alcohol and drinking secretly? Secret knocks? Secret clubs where only the elite are invited in? Oh you have?

Here in NYC we have a few secret clubs of our own. My sister visited a bar on Saturday that served booze in teacups and had a secret entrance.

Even better, I am now a member of a secret society of my own. In this world where gluttony and sugar are taboo, one has to binge out on cake in the most private setting possible you know. I don't want to be caught with icing on my face by any puritanical nutritionists, diabetics, or corn-syrup haters. That would be too awkward.

Luckily, there weren't any raids last night at the oh-so-secret cake club (so secret I cannot reveal the name).

It's a wonder I even made it there. This was the process to join:
1- Go to secret website and submit a request for approval.
2- An email was sent out with specific directions re: what day and what time to RSVP online to be considered for the monthly cake club. You must RSVP at this specific time.
4- An invitation is sent in the mail with a phone number to text.
5- The text results in a return text with the address of the club.
6- At the club, a gentleman waits at the door checking names and approving admission (and taking $20 per head).

I can only compare this to the college application process. But the benefits were much greater than a college acceptance.

My friend and I attended the 7pm shift. Roughly ten cake lovers arrive every hour starting at 6pm and ending at midnight to devour the goods served with gold spoons in a small but lovely apartment.

My camera phone does NOT do justice to the deliciocity before you. The theme for last night's club was a variation on typical American desserts. The cake maker stood in her kitchen serving sample sizes of all kinds of tempting desserts. Twinkies made with a banana flavor. Apple Bread Crisp. Strawberry Shortcake. Homemade Donuts. Chocolate Wafer Cake with Whipped Cream. Coca-Cola Flavored Ice Cream. Budweiser Flavored Ice Cream.

I don't know what made me capitalize all the foods just now except for my undying respect for their memory. And I should tell you... that is just a sampling. There were even more options available for my ~~binge~~ enjoyment than I can recall.

Anyway, I just wanted to share the highlight of my weekend - the glitz and the glamor of the gorge. And to say: eat your heart out Blogland!

Casual Friday

2010-03-26T13:59:00.004-04:00

Do you get to do casual Fridays? We wear business casual in my office. Get this- I'm not even allowed to wear scrubs. And I have a ton of 'em collecting dust in my apartment. No joke. To be fair, the dress code is pretty fair and lenient. I can't wear jeans, but I get away with wearing very very casual pants (jeans in disguise actually) and even sneakers whenever I so choose.

That said... last year when I asked if we could have Casual Friday and wear jeans, my boss said, "sure, of course you can wear jeans on Friday. And you can even leave early, too. Go home and start searching I-need-a-job-dot-com".
He would say that to me. A lot. This boss began to expect what he considered to be outlandish requests to fly out of my Uptown Girl mouth. And I began to expect bossman to refer me to search the internet for job opportunities.
Oh the memories. I now have a different boss who might not humor my frequent humorous requests. Alas, I will have to settle for causal Fridays instead and cause a little raucous here in the office. It is way too quiet today and we need a little action... even if it lands my coworkers and me on I-need-a-job-dot-com. nbd. Any office prank ideas you'd like to share? Please do bc I need some ammunition.

Holly Hobby

2010-03-23T22:26:00.004-04:00

What are my hobbies and interests?
Some guy I have never met asked me this question. This is online dating in all it's glory.

"What are your other hobbies and interests?" was the actual Q.

Other??
Oh, because you are recycling the same question and think that is ok because I must knit or something and forgot to mention it in a previous email?

Other?
As in: other than running (the original hobby/interest I told him about)? As in: other than hanging out with my friends and family, going for drinks, or dinner, or coffee, or dancing (which I also mentioned). Other than tv and reading which are listed on my profile (and yes I consider those interests)? Other than belonging to a book club (also listed on the profile)?

Other?

Do I dare tell him my true hobbies?

1- I am a self-declared-Pulitzer-Prize-Winning-Author of a blog. A sparkly, chic, fabulous blog.
2- I follow and read many blogs. I leave comments.
3- I do some Facebook stalking from time to time.
4- I DVR, follow, and critique some great tv shows.
5- I enjoy sightseeing. I view as many hunky men per day as I can whilst en route to and from work or to and from lunch.
6- I eat meals and snacks.
7- I make some tasty popcorn.
8- I enjoy being the most glam uptown girl you can imagine.
9- I email with total strangers on the internet just because they look cute and live within 30 miles... although maybe those pics are 5 years and 45 pounds and a full head of hair ago old... when you were taller.... although the men I'm emailing with could turn into stalkers or serial killers... so I could classify this hobby/interest as "taking risks". Maybe?
10- I make a killer list of hobbies and interests.

Yeah, that sounds good. Maybe this will be my rough draft for that email. Success.

true story

2010-03-23T11:14:00.000-04:00

oh, you want my digits?

2010-03-19T10:35:00.007-04:00

I think someone should start a Facebook Group called "Can I... can I... can I get your number Uptown Girl??". Apparently it's the latest and greatest thing to do.

I had three people ask for my digits this week and one simply offer his own.
What is going on in the universe? Oh, thank you for asking. I will fill you in.

I went to this running club on Wednesday for the second time. Yes, it was St. Patrick's Day. Yes, I love all things Irish. Yes, I punked out on celebrating this year so that I could run. Yes, I am a major athlete now, go figure. I was running at the same pace as a couple of other girls and we ran ~~our marathon~~ our 3.5 miles together. After the run, two girls asked me for my phone number so we can run together again. I'm pretty excited because I've been hoping and praying for a running partner to help me stay motivated. Awesome.

Next. Last night I went to see my coworker's band play. One of the residents (aka doctors-in-training) I work with asked me for my phone number so that he and I could coordinate taking the train downtown to the concert. Did I end up on a date with him last night? Maybe. That remains unclear... he was quite attentive... and he did buy my drinks... what else would I want in a date??

Last but not least, a guy I've been emailing with and def ~~stalking~~ interested in via internet dating (as interested as you can get without meeting someone...) finally asked me to get drinks and gave me his number. Way to step up that E-game. What a baller. I suppose that even though I don't call boys as a rule, I'll be calling this one. Now is when I miss the days before Caller ID and *69. What I would give for a drive by call. Oh to call, hear his voice, and hang up. A girl can dream. Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories...

With all the digits flying to and fro, I'm starting to feel a little bit like Yvonne here.

Fairy Tale Time

2010-03-17T10:01:00.004-04:00

Once upon a time in Blogland... there were two celebrity bloggers... Ann-tidote and Uptown Girl.

They were connected by Liza, one lovely lady who knows how to own it. Liza happens to be Uptown Girl's sister and Ann's bestie from college. They were also connected by one lovely blog (linked above, started by Liza) where they both contribute. Where they both got their start as bloggy babies, if you will. Oh you will? Great, let's continue down memory lane.

Ann is an aspiring uptown girl and Uptown Girl is an aspiring fashionista and shoe collector. They were destined to be friends since they were both fabulous in their own right (and had much to learn from one another).

The time finally came. These two star-crossed bloggers sealed their fate when they partied in NYC. As fate would have it, when these two met, dreams came true.

Here are the pictures to prove their meeting, and to prove that they are now real life friends in addition to being virtual blog buddies. Success!

Ann-tidote, Liza, and Uptown Girl

-The beginning.

A Taxing Experience

2010-03-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

How am I supposed to know how to file these taxes? I'm no accountant. But TurboTax isn't quite as helpful as I hoped.

I worked three Saturdays for a medical group witnessing as lots of people suffered through colonoscopies on my watch. It turns out that 1) I hate working Saturdays in the summer and 2) I need to eat at regular intervals or I get pretty cranky. Even if all my patients are having colonoscopies. I still have a healthy appetite. Yeah, that per diem job taught me a lot. But that is not what I'm here to tell you.

I'm here to tell you that taxes were not taken out of my paycheck and I am now trying for the life of me to sort this out. TurboTax thinks I am self-employed. I tried telling the TurboTax Virtual Assistant about my problem, but that ~~biotch~~ Tina was no help at all. Well, the convo went a little something like this...

You (Uptown Girl) said:

I was in no way, shape, or form performing colonoscopies out of my apartment.  I don't run a small business, I promise.

Tina said:
I'm sorry, but I didn't understand your question. Please try restating it using different words and I'll try to find you an answer.

I am a computer, not a person, so please keep your question short and ask one question at a time.

Rude.

I may have to go pay H&R Block to help me file these taxes. I have this hang-up about filing my taxes the right way and not getting arrested or something down the line. I think it stems from the time I went out with a tax attorney (a one date wonder) and let me tell you, those IRS guys are pretty darn serious about taking all the money from my paychecks as is legal.

An Affair to Understand

2010-03-12T12:03:00.004-05:00

Who doesn't love the classic movie, An Affair to Remember? It is one of my all-time faves. In my never-to-be-humble opinion, the best line in the movie is this...

Terry McKay: "Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories... And we've already missed the spring!"

I love this line yet, I never fully know what it means!

Is Terry trying to say that she and Nickie (Carey Grant) made some warm memories during their time together?

What do you think our lovely heroine is actually saying here?

In Pursuit

2010-03-11T11:59:00.004-05:00

I have this little nagging feeling that I recently heard someone talking about this topic or quite possibly read about it in a blog post? If I am stealing your idea then I apologize, but really you should be flattered so I take back my apology.

Last night, I was speaking with a very wise older woman named Jane who sort of reminds me of my grandmother (who is also named Jane, may she rest in peace). This woman said that, "The thing is, we aren't going to be happy all the time. Life isn't all about being happy, no one is happy all the time and that shouldn't be the goal. The whole pursuit of happiness idea can be very misleading. Life is about being able to handle what comes at you". Now, I pretty much agree with this statement. But my take on this is a bit different.

I do think that Jane is right- life is not about being happy all the time. I don't exactly enjoy having feelings of sadness, loss, or anger when they arrive on the scene in my life. I don't like having hard days at work or having pain physically or emotionally. It sucks. But it is good for me. How would I even enjoy the happy times if I didn't have sad times to compare them to? I appreciate a good day a lot more after a crappy one. I love to bask in sunshine after a cold winter.

Even though the hard times help me grow, I still wish life were happy all the time. But that isn't reality. Even for an Uptown Girl like me.

In the last few years I have been through my share of suffering and sadness. Although I would never wish to see those days again, and I wouldn't wish hard times on anyone, I have to admit that I do find meaning in the suffering (now that I'm thru much of it!).

One of my all-time favorite quotes is from "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring". It is a conversation between Frodo and Gandalf.
Frodo: I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.
This is one of those quotes that speaks to me. I keep it stored away in the back of my mind and think about it when I need it. What I want to do with my time is keep up the pursuit of happiness and pay attention to the lessons on the way there.

And I've grown leaps and bounds (if I do say so myself). I've learned a lot about myself. I've learned the hard way that I need to trust my gut in decision making. I've learned that if I set my mind to a daunting task I can accomplish it. I've learned to let myself feel pain and hurt rather than stuff or avoid negative feelings. I've learned to cry when I feel like crying and laugh the rest of the time. All in the pursuit of happiness and health.

Life isn't about being happy all the time, it is about the pursuit. In the pursuit of happiness we hit bumps on the road and detours taking us down back alleys; we go off-roading at times and we get flat tires (to stick with the analogy). And if we missed all that and arrived at the destination of happiness without the twists and turns and flat tires, we would also miss life lessons on how to ~~call AAA~~ change a tire. We'd miss the personal growth that shapes us into mature adults. I am personally grateful for the painful lessons I've learned in my twenties. Maybe I would be a happier person without all the life lessons, but I wouldn't lead a very full life. I wouldn't know how to do half of what I can now do. I wouldn't be the amazing Uptown Girl you see before you. Actually, I wouldn't even be an Uptown Girl at all. It is because of my personal pursuit of happiness that I moved to the Upper Eastside, started writing posts on my sister's blog (and then she told me to start my own), I started running, I tried almonds. All big things. Because of my pursuit I'm a pretty big deal.

Who knows what is next for me? Maybe I'll arrive at perfect happiness sooner than I think, but probably not. I will keep up the pursuit.

Rezzy Roundup 2

2010-03-05T15:47:00.003-05:00

As I think back on my New Year's Rezzies, and even where I was at one month ago, I have to say that I'm doing quite glitteringly great. As one would expect of an Uptown Girl, I suppose.

Rez 1- I would like to grow an inch or 2. I think I'm well on my way. Lately I've really been feeling taller. You know when you stand near other people and sometimes feel short or tall based on everyone else's heights?? I've been feeling pretty tall.

Rez 2- I will kiss a handsome man this year. Please read the previous 2 posts to learn that no where in the descriptions of my dates dates did I mention kisses. I'm being picky with this one. I have precious lips.

Rez 3- PREVIOUSLY RESOLVED

Rez 4- I will be more dedicated to my running. This is the one I wanted to tell you about most! I signed up for my 10K. It is on April 3rd and I'm so excited about it. Running a 10K was my personal running goal for the whole year, so if I am able to complete the run without collapsing, I'll have to set a new goal. Impressive? *Glitteringly great*? I know.

Rez 5- I resolve to party. More. Working on it. Between celebrating my sister's engagement last weekend and going out with friends from out of town this weekend, I may have to change this rez to party less.

Rez 6- I will stay in touch. Not doing so hot here, however my friends from Georgia are staying with me this weekend and we are going to do lots of catching up. That counts for something right?

Rez 7- PREVIOUSLY RESOLVED

Rez 8- I will take suggestions from you... Obvi! Any questions or post ideas? Lay it on me...

How are your rezzies coming along?

date recap continued... a recap recap

2010-03-04T12:42:00.005-05:00

Remember yesterday when I described Bachelor #2? Well he has since changed his tune. Probably after somehow finding my blog or catching a glimpse of me on TMZ.

Not two hours after I posted about the lack of follow-up to our date, Bachelor #2 texted me. I was half excited and half annoyed. I mean, I had just flipped that little imaginary switch in my mind that internally ended things with the Pilot (since he had flown out of sight).

I waited until after work to text back. We texted back and forth maybe 2 texts each and then Mr. Pilot answered my Q (about what cities he was flying to) kind of bluntly. He answered but didn't ask me a question. And I didn't know what to say, if I should text back, or if I should leave it at that. I was lost in the texting world and in need of some guidance. I needed a texting expert.

Once I was home hours later, I discussed the situation with my sister Liza. We couldn't figure out what was going on and Liza said, "Bina would know!". So, I called my teenage sister, Bina, to get her advice. At 14-and-a-half she is Queen of the Text after all. I knew she would know proper texting etiquette. Bina told me that she would be insulted by the last text, but that since the Pilot started the texting this offset that last response cancelling it out. Bina expertly formulated my next text, including an aloof line letting the Pilot know that I was now at home (in hopes he might call rather than text), and asking if he was looking forward to his trip.

His response was again a conversation ender. "Yes very excited..." I quickly forwarded this to Bina who wrote:
Bina- "did he do the dot dot dot?"
Uptown Girl- "yep"
Bina- "ok dump him like a hot tamale"
UG- "Hah! k"
Bina- "well unless u really like him and u r willing to work it out"
UG- "Maybe if he ever calls"
Bina- "ok well keep shining little flower"
UG- "I'm a star!"
Bina- "yay fly little bird fly! :)"

What is with this texting epidemic? I am not a fan. I mean, I text. I text for informational purposes, in addition to real conversations on the phone and face-to-face. Not as a sole means of communication. It is so impersonal. And so confusing.
I'm thinking: What did that dot dot dot mean?
Thinking: Was I supposed to text back?
Thinking: Was that a goodbye?
Thinking: Why am I picking apart this ellipsis punctuation?
Thinking: Why don't I add "Total Eclipse of the Heart" to my iPod?
Thinking: Why am I texting this guy at all?
Thinking: Why doesn't he use his actually voice to talk to me?
Thinking: I'm done with the Pilot. Again. Unless maybe he calls me for real. Fo shizzle my nizzle lemon drizzle.

Phewf. Glad that's done. And I'm grateful to my besties and sisters and faithful blog followers for all the support and advice during the beginning stages of ~~insanity~~dating. I've discovered that I hate the early stages of dating. And the middle. And the end. I may turn down all future men and dates and stick to my stalkers like Jenna on 30 Rock.

date recap

2010-03-03T09:43:00.005-05:00

I went on 2 first dates in February. I haven't mentioned much about these dates because they were one-time-wonders. But, out of the goodness that is my heart, I'll fill you in on the deets.

The first first date was a very talkative gentlemanly teacher. Cute and sweet and not for me for the following reasons...

1-Bachelor #1 is pretty way-into Broadway shows*. I like shows too. But as my Georgia Peaches will tell you, it isn't really my thang. I just usually have something else I'd rather spend my $$ on rather than the ticket. This dude comes from the suburbs for Broadway. I can't be bothered to leave the Upper Eastside for it. [*clearly this would be a workable and horizon-broadening issue if we clicked]

2-Bachelor #1 doesn't eat carbs or sweets or cheese or fatty meats. We went to a great Italian restaurant for dinner and he ordered a salad. What now? He is a little neurotic about his food. So am I, but in the opposite direction. Snacking is my best sport.

3- Bachelor #1 yapped my ear off about multiple topics and referred to future dates ad nauseum. And yet he never set one up! This turns out to be a good thing since I enjoy pasta and ice cream more than I enjoyed the date.

Moving on.

The second first date was with another gentlemanly and talkative guy. A pilot. A cute pilot with broad shoulders (broad shoulders equal uber swoonable in my eyes) who eats every meal like it's his last. A healthy appetite. My kind of guy but not for me for the following reasons...

1- Bachelor #2 lives pretty far out there. About an hour away in the boonies. I would be forced to leave the UES regularly if I dated this man. I can't write more on this because the sheer thought is making me hyperventilate and I now need a brown paper bag. Excuse me.

2- Bachelor #2 never called. What the heck?? I am perfectly happy when a guy I don't like doesn't call, but if I like you even a little bit you should call. kthanksbye.

I can only assume that Bachelor #2 either died or he is intimidated by my beauty and elite status. It's a toss up. Maybe both. How sad. Although I am an Uptown Girl and socialite heiress, I do have feelings. I know, I know, catch your breath, is this like reading the magazines with the "celebrities are just like us" sections? "They drink Starbucks." "They pick wedgies." "They carry Kleenex." And now you are thinking, "They have feelings, too". True story. I have feelings just like regular girls in small towns everywhere. And, am I right or am I right when I say that it is disappointing when the guy you like doesn't call?? Yes, I am right.

It was just one date so I'm not verklempt or feeling anything severe. Just temporarily disappointed. Babs. But my pity party is over friends. Over I tell you. It is now time to embark on something I like to call owning it, "ALWAYS reaching for more, choosing joy in situations and not letting the situation determine your joy!"- Mary T.

Just like Tenley, I deserve a guy who sees my worth. And I now see that pilots are over-rated these days. This season, the Bachelor tv show drilled that point home thoroughly.

I'd prefer to date a hunky millionaire anyway. I'm destined to be a lady of leisure you know. And an Empress.

As Overheard in NY (1st Edition)

2010-03-02T18:22:00.007-05:00

"Why do they have to ruin this movie with all the singing?"
-overheard in my living room from my bff Lovey while watching the classic Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
I loved this movie as a child. Only God and my mother know why. Now I can hardly look at Milly with that crazy hair-do and frighteningly teensy waist. How the heck does she sing or breathe without a life-sized torso?And yet, somehow I'm mesmerized. Captivated. Can't seem to tear my eyes away from the on-screen spectacle. It's really something like a phenomenon.

Oh and when the brothers jump through axes while balancing on a board? Sexy.

they say you learn something new everyday

2010-02-26T15:50:00.002-05:00

Today I learned that God might not know about the existence of tuna-melts.

It is a Friday in Lent. A meatless day in my religion.
This vegetarian adventure is supposed to be a sacrifice.

Right, I get all that... but if that is the case, then someone has sneakily kept the not-so-new invention of tuna-melt deliciocity out of God's line of sight. Or, I guess in reality God knows all (that whole omniscience gig), so He prob just let this one yummy treat slide out of love for us little people.

But for sure the pope doesn't know. That guy really missed out at lunchtime today. My tuna-melt was A-mazing. I can still taste in in my mind.

Thanks God.
Love, Uptown Girl

therapize this

2010-02-25T15:02:00.005-05:00

Have I ever told you that my bestie, Lovey, is a therapist? Well she is. It comes in handy all the time. Not only is she a phenomenal bff, but she is also so useful. More useful to me than if she were a mechanic or an electrician or even a plumber. Although I think we can all agree that it would be quite useful to have friends who work in those fields.

Whenever I have a problem or a yucky feeling I know Lovey will help me work out the deeper issue. This is basically why I keep her around.

Today I have one such example to show and tell you about. Don't worry.
We were g-chatting while working very hard at our respective jobs today and... well I'll just let you read the chat for yourself.

[WARNING: The convo posted here is privileged information and should be considered confidential. Also, I fixed the spelling and order because sometimes we skip some letters and finish our thoughts out of order.]

me: bleh i have no motivation today for work or even to get up from my desk. what do u think that is about? pls therapize me
Lovey: the weather sucks, you're not happy at your job, and you need a new challenge professionally. BOOM
me: woah
you should get paid more
just saying
you could prob do "drive-thru" therapy like Dr Phil if you wanted
Lovey: LOL i would NEVER do what he does. he is a sell out and exploiter!
me: totes! but still, you'd be rich and so would i bc what's yours is mine
right?
Lovey: HA HA HA! yes, that is true.
me: ok perfect
let's get into that line of business
oh to earn my keep, maybe i could go on air with you as your side kick

me: i'll make comments about the patients- you know to make the audience laugh at them a little

Lovey: Uptown Girl!

Lovey: i would not be happy tho, and at some point would not give it my all then.
kind of like when the steam goes out.
so it would probably not be successful for very long.
me: that's ok, as long as we make a cool million first, then we can take a nice long vacay

So there you have it bloggy friends. In our therapy convo, Lovey helped me realize what was bringing me down and that I need a vacay. And I helped her realize that she should have her own show on the telly. That's the British word for tv.
Don't you wish your bestie could therapize you?
For the record here, I therapize Lovey too. My sessions cost more though, as one would expect.

due to this unscheduled blogging drought...

2010-02-24T17:13:00.003-05:00

...please see here for some great posts from the last couple of days. Or go get to know Own It by using Liza's latest new feature here.

I've been too busy/distracted/lazy/involved in real life activities to post about all of it in blogland today. For this I am truly frustrated, believe me.

I promise to make it up to you ASAP. You can choose how. Chocolate ice cream soda floats all around? A round of bloggy Truth-or-Dare? A re-cap of my lastest and greatest dates? A big grovelling apology from yours truly?
Hah! That was funny because I am an Uptown Girl sooooo I think we both know I do not grovel.

Blog Truth-or-Dare sounds like mega fun, any thoughts on how we could make that happen?

Tay-Tay Everyday-Day

2010-02-23T09:14:00.001-05:00

I know there are some haters out there. And I know you feel strongly that Taylor Swift is sub-par. That she doesn't win any awards in your personal high and mighty music judging book. That she is too teenie bopper. That her music isn't quality enough to be considered truly good music. Sort of like how you won't read Twilight because you don't consider it actual literature.

I also know that, although you are entitled to your opinions, my opinion is that you need a little more Tay-Tay in your day day. Here she is, a beautiful young girl who knows how to own it thru her passions. She writes music, lyrics, plays guitar, and sings. And rocks a good portion of my iPod Nano. Yes, she needs to work on her posture, but who doesn't?
Most importantly, everytime I listen to Taylor Swift I feel. Happy, sad, hurt, nostalgic, mad. Whatever she is singing about I can usually relate and feel my feelings. Sort of like therapy. Therapy for my ears and music to my soul.
Keep owning it Taylor. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks, I know you're an Uptown Girl in training.

relish

2010-02-22T17:21:00.004-05:00

Last week over on Own It, my sister Liza wrote a great post about relishing in her latest successes. Today I'm going to copy her ~~like always~~ and relish in my success...

I obvi like to tell you about my running ups and downs and def expect you to care a great deal. I know you do.

Well, on Saturday I ran 4 miles in ~~my backyard~~ Central Park to benefit Haiti. I ran with my brother and sister and a couple other friends (the friends started the race up ahead with the fast people).

And................ I was FAST! Serio, I ran my fastest race ever and finished at 43:05.

Yes, that is under 11 minutes per mile. Thank you for noticing and kudos on your math skills.

pager danger

2010-02-18T15:52:00.003-05:00

I have the urge to make a call or get up and leave my desk right now. The urge is very strong because I just paged someone. Yeah, remember beepers? We still use them in healthcare. Don't ask me why. I consider pagers a thing of the past, archaic. They belong in a time capsule from the 90's, somewhere alongside my AquaNet, walkman, and over-sized flannel shirts.

I just sent a text-page. And the moment I hit "send" I reeeeeally needed to make a phone call. I remembered that I need to be available for the return call and had to wait patiently by the phone. I am totally unable to be productive right now due to this pager problem ~~and my lack of motivation~~. I page and therefore I wait. And therefore I post.

Well, I guess if I use my mad AP Calculus skills I would come up with this equation:

Paging + Waiting crippled at my desk = Blog posting + Cosine[Tangent] + Good times

nbd

2010-02-17T15:08:00.001-05:00

post this

2010-02-17T11:27:00.003-05:00

Do you ever feel like there are lots of things you want to accomplish - and you really do want to accomplish these things - but you just forget, don't have the time, or don't take the time?

You do? Well then, welcome to my life.

My to-do list seems to have grown from 1 mile long to 6 miles. It imploded really.

Last night I got home, sat on the couch, and watched tv. I then got up, reheated food from the night before, sat back down on the couch, and watched tv. I then grabbed my laptop, sat back down on the couch, sent an email or two, and watched tv.

What is wrong with this picture? No, the screen was not fuzzy.

This morning I woke up and remembered the way I had pictured last night going.... (yes, in my head I have a picture of how my plans will turn out). It looked more like this: go home, go for a run, eat dinner, work on my taxes online, post on my blogizzle, and then watch a little tv.

On the way home however, I noticed that the sidewalks were super icy and decided not to run and risk certain death. And when I initially got home and sat on the couch I forgot the entire rest of the plan!

ARGH. Argh-city. Come on brain, can't you do a little better than that?

I guess this is why I put sticky post-its on my phone. To remind me of what my brain forgets so quickly. Some people tease me about my post-its, but they're just jealous. Right?

enjoy your weekend...

2010-02-12T17:01:00.001-05:00

And enjoy this commercial. I'm sold.

I may be in love. L-O-V-E.

Fast Forward

2010-02-11T12:15:00.004-05:00

Oy to the Vey. This week is just taking forever and a day to end. Having that pseudo snowday yesterday threw me off majorly. It felt like a Friday. My roomies had the day off and at work people were dropping like flies (as in, leaving early, not passing out or anything... I see how that could be misleading). I was here until 5pm working my arse off slash hoarding my vacay hours. And, I'm glad I did because, as nice as it would've been to head home early, the sidewalks were way better than expected. It was no big deal getting home. Same commute, same crazy crazies on the bus.

The problem is that it is only Thursday. How is that even possible? I have an acute case of Cabin Fever. HELP! Does anyone know how to fast forward the work week and get to the weekend a little faster?

Speaking of fast forwarding... now that we're in this tapeless tech culture, with CDs on their way out, DVDs, Blue-Ray (whatever that is), iPod, MP3, iPad (don't see the appeal at all), and on and on, will the generation being raised right now even know what the terms "rewind" and "fast forward" mean? Do we fast forward on a disc or do we skip ahead? I'm not actually clear on that.

I no longer have a CD player, tape player, or VCR. It really is time to get those old home videos at my mom's house converted into a DVD or even into a file to place on my external hard drive.

I notice that friends are scanning high school and college photos into their computers and posting to FB on the daily. My photos are in a box and a couple of albums in my room. Where they will stay. Safe. I would ask these techie friends not to tag me if the pics are from my awkward years... maybe you looked great in high school and need to show those pics and relive the glory days... but me? not so much... my glory days are in the present tense. Have I ever told you about the little known fact that I didn't regularly dry and straighten my hair, wear "real" makeup, or learn to dress for my body type until my late 20s? Yeah, so those frump pics you are scanning would prob be better off rotting in your scrapbook instead of shown to the world. In my humble opinion. Wink.

I'm really jumping around from topic to topic in this post. I think that's what they call word salad. The Cabin Fever must be progressing to the next stage... please help me get through this week!

{This happens to be from one of my fave movies that I still own on VHS}

snowday

2010-02-10T15:35:00.001-05:00

Yes, I am at work and this is the view out my window. There are somewhere between 6 and 200 inches of snow falling out there. Blustery blizzards.

I will get back to ~~trying to FB stalk you~~ ~~blog hopping~~ work now as you contemplate whether I am a very dedicated employee or I just don't want to use vacation time slash rack up more "incidents".

ps- Sorry about that poor picture quality. The papa-razi are taking a snowday so I had to use my crap camera phone to take that image. Lo siento.

pps- Just heard some jerk in the hallway saying "yeah, the snow is supposed to really pick up around 4". It is now 3:40pm. Great.

The Green Police

2010-02-10T11:00:00.001-05:00

Did you see this commercial during the Super Bowl?

My aunt Katy sent it to me (thanks Katy!). I def remember watching it during the game, but had no idea what product it was selling. Actually, I thought it was some sort of PSA for being green and caring for the planet when, in fact, it's an ad for a car.

This is one example of a memorable campaign that is advertising a forgettable product. But that is not why I'm posting today. The thing is, I loved this commercial. It was hilario with a grain of truth. Now hold on to your seats as I get all philosophical on you.

Like I said, the ad was funny. I laughed. ~~I cried.~~ I laughed out loud.

When I stop laughing and think about the messages the commercial is sending though, I'm conflicted. Is it good to be green? Of course. Do I think it is important to check ourselves and our homes, vehicles, workplaces, etc and call each other on to greenitude? Sure. Do I do this enough? Negative. But, should we be policing one another? For me, the "Green Police" is such a funny concept because it is just that... ridiculous.

I mean, of all the things to police in this country, should shades of green be close to the top of the list? Don't we have some bigger problems to face? Would I even want to live in a place where the government were that big even if it resulted in an extremely clean green beautiful country? Nope.

And, more practically, what fun would it be for kids to grow up and never throw their gum on the street, spray Aqua-Net in their hair, or shoot spit-balls that end up littering the yard?

I doubt the ad team was going that deep when they came up with the commercial idea or had any police-state agenda up their sleeves. What a fun blog this would be if I were a true conspiracy theorist, huh?

I decided to finish my deep wonderings and leave you with this deep thought about our Earth. By Jack Handy.

“I wish outer space guys would conquer the Earth and make people their pets, because I'd like to have one of those little beds with my name on it.” - Jack Handy