For Vienna

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.

Because it's Friday

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.

my own hue

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.

Uptown = where it's at.

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?

Holly Hobby

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.

In Pursuit

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.

they say you learn something new everyday

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

Tay-Tay Everyday-Day

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.

who dat?

How did Sunday night arrive so fast? This weekend just flew by. I'm here to share a few things I learned and will take with me into the week:

1- There are different kinds of almonds for sale and I'm not a huge fan of the Emerald dry roasted kind.

2- The phrase "Who dat? Who dat? Who dat say dey gunna beat them Saints?" works in any situation from chanting at the Super Bowl to waiting for the elevator that's taking forever. Try it, I guarantee your enjoyment.

3- Margaritas with too much sugary mix can make you sick to your tummy. Don't ask for details on this one, just take it as a serious warning. For example, if you order a strawberry margarita on the rocks and it turns out to be reeeeally red, like cherry red, do not drink it if the lining of your stomach is important to you.

4- "Undercover Boss" is a super duper sacot new show that made me cry. As if I needed another tear-jerker to get me going.

5- "Time has been good to you". Yeah, a guy said this to me today when I admitted told him my age. He said it with a British accent so I guess that helps soften the blow of the backhanded compliment.

Well, time to go apply some anti-aging eye cream. Who dat?

Rezzy Roundup

Here I am Blogosphere. I know I've been MIA since Friday and that you were prob driving yourself crazy wondering what I've been up to. And while (in an attempt to retain some mystery) I can't answer that question... I will satisfy another desire of your heart instead. Lucky you.

I will re-cap my 1 month old New Year's Resolutions! Ready? OK!

Rez 1- I would like to grow an inch or 2. So far this one has been a no-go. But, don't fret, I will totes make it happen by NYE 2011.

Rez 2- I will kiss a handsome man this year. Again, so far a no-go. Sad to say I haven't had this kiss just yet. Hello? You know I would've told you. What kind of UG do you take me for?

Rez 3- I will get my very own NetBook. DONE and DONER. Got my Asus. And my friend's bf City John got Mr. Asus all pimped out for me. Thx City John!

Rez 4- I will be more dedicated to my running. Yup, still working on this one. One step at a time (I cracked myself up with that pun). I'm doing pretty great at the consistency actually but def want to increase my time and distance.

Rez 5- I resolve to party. More. Def going strong! I had a fun January being very socially active with friends (new and old). I'm kind of a big deal.

Rez 6- I will stay in touch. Hrmmm. Ok confession. I'm really not so good at keeping in touch anymore. I used to pride myself on this life skill but now give myself a C-. Yeah, you read that right, there is one area in life where I am less than average. When I lived in the burbs and had a car and stuff like that I would drive all over this great country of ours talking on my cellphone and calling all my peeps. Between cell phone laws, moving to NYC, and no longer driving a vehicle ever, I have decreased my stay-in-touch skillz dramatically. It feels good to get that off my chest.

Rez 7- I will wear my coat during work everyday this winter until someone resolves our office heating problema. DONE, doner, and RESOLVED. It's now kinda hot in here. Or is that just me?

Rez 8- I will take suggestions from you. Still waiting on those suggestions. Did someone misplace the suggestion box? My take on this is that I simply post on everything you want to know about and, therefore, there is nothing better left to suggest. Clearly.

And there you have it: my brutally honest look back on January, 2010 and the start to my amazing resolutions. You heard it here first. No need to watch it on E! News tonight. No need.

did my filter take the day off?

Sometimes I don't know why I say things. Unacceptable sentiments fly out of my mouth like a bee from a hive. It is so hard being an Uptown Girl! I have many opinions that matter, but I don't really want to share them with everyone all the time. Hence the blog...

This afternoon I explained to two coworkers - male doctors - that I don't think men should wear pink. While they were both wearing pink ties!

My personal preferences are always often eventually converted into universally held beliefs, but this was not one of those important topics. I mean, I don't care if those coworkers wear pink. As long as I don't have to see a pink tie on a date or on a man I like (and I do mean like like, not just like), it really doesn't matter to me.

And yet, my filter was so fried today that at the very moment I needed it to sift out unnecessary commentary, it was busy malfunctioning! Time to get out of this place and go recharge and reboot the filter connecting my brain and my mouth.

Ummm anywho.... while we're on the subject... how do you feel about men in pink?

would you wear these?

Never.

I would never wear these

Slow and Steady Wins the Race sunglasses.

Interesting to view,

but not to look through.

That is one Uptown Girl's opinion.

Please do share...

are you a fan?

Do you want these on your dollface?

Do you dig it? Can you rock the casbah?

I hope to have at least one follower daring enough to don these fashion icons/fashion faux pas.

Whatever the case may be.

insightful

I'm back from my lodging weekend away with a new insight to share.

You know how I said I was going to spend a little time in the spa on Saturday? Well, I did. And after my short run I swam a very few laps in the pool as I waited for a good hot tub soak. Soaking would commence as soon as the spa peeps were done chemically cleaning the hot tub for me.

Interestingly enough, it never came to that. And this is why... the very second that the hot tub was 'clean', it was filled with other guests and turned on for a full blast hot bubble fest. Here comes my insight. Ready? As I considered moving from pool to hot tub I realized something so deep and moving that I knew I would later share that thought with all of Blogland.

My insight: soaking in a full hot tub is like taking a bath with strangers - bathing in their filth. Eww. Sick.

Do you truly believe that they all showered off before getting in? No way. I know I didn't shower before getting into the pool since I couldn't figure out how to turn on the spa showers and assumed they were broken. They weren't broken and I later figured out the problem but that is a story for another day. The point is, I don't even want to imagine all the possible disgustingness swimming in there amongst the awkward conversation with random travellers.

This really only came to mind because I felt super awk about hopping into the hot tub when it was full of people I didn't know or care to meet. And, no, there weren't any cute guys in said spa that afternoon. Don't you think I would've mentioned that by now?

It was a disappointing experience all in all because my hot tub dream soak consisted of me, myself, and I. Alone in the hot tub. Not sitting amongst dirty strangers. And not missing my soak completely only to try the steam room instead and then figure out the ancient shower situation.

If I ever choose to knowingly enter a crowded hot tub, I will only do so if it is filled with my besties or immediate family. That or uber hunky contestants vying for my affection as love looks for me on next season of The Bachelorette. No exceptions. I vow this to you tonight, in front of the world wide web and Mr. Asus mini-PC.
Well, it is past my bedtime and I must away so that I can get my beauty sleep and dream about your witty comments. Take care and be sure to stay away from public bathtubs hot tubs in the interim. I know I will.

Thoughts on having a jacuzzi installed in my apartment later this week?

Asus update

Now that I've had my baby laptop for a little longer I must admit that I'm enjoying it.

Did I lower my expectations of what the Asus should be? Yes. Did I open my heart a smidge to let the lil guy in? Totes. Am I in love with Mr. Asus? Negativo. Is the speed way faster if I give the laptop a little TLC and some time to warm up before I dive in and open 10 internet pages simultaneously? Maybe. Am I in love with having my own personal computer in my apt? You betcha.

And there you have it.
I'm going to stop complaining about my brandie new miniature laptop and start appreciating the perks and benefits. Guess I just had to get over the shock of realizing the imperfection.

Kind of like with this season of The Office. Once I finally admitted that it just isn't as good as it used to be, I could just enjoy it for what it had become. A mediocre sitcom that used to be stellar. I will always have a special place in my heart for The Office, for Jim&Pam's love, and for Angela's embittered anger. It's only right. I will always care about the storyline and laugh out loud (ok more like cackle if you must know) at the jokes.

A couple years back, watching shows like The Office and Arrested Development on Netflix helped me laugh at a time when my life looked bleak. I couldn't help but escape right into the inane hilarity of it all. And forget my own troubles.

Or I'd remember my troubles but decide that "hey, at least my arm didn't get eaten by a sea lion"... "I'm so lucky that I don't have a boss like Michael and a co-worker like Dwight"... and "if GOB can get through his divorce from his wife that he married on a dare, I know my life will be ok".

And my life was ok. And in time, with a lot of laughter and an adorable Asus computer, my life is better than just ok. You know I had to work the Asus back into this post somehow.


Sent from my Asus Eee.

good girl gone bad

You caught me.

I'm posting at work again.

Blogging my heart out.

Please answer me this...

Why does inspiration always hit me when I'm at work??

Is it really so so bad to travel to Blogland when you have multiple voicemails?

And if it is, why does it feel so good?

sad little netbook.

I did it. I bought my cute little Asus computer on Friday night after work.

Like (I can only imagine) a new mom bringing her baby home from the hospital, I brought my little computer home from BestBuy. And I nurtured it and loved it. And I named it. And I played with it.

When I turned on my Asus and signed onto the internet, I noticed something immediately. Mr. Asus is slower than a turtle in a race. Slower than a Sunday morning. Slower than my brain on Monday morning. AND - get this - my new Asus is just about as slow or possibly even slower than my slower than slow work computer. Did you get all that?

The Asus is just annoying the f-ing heck out of me. The heck I tell you! When I clickity click in one place I wait and nothing happens. Nothing happens. Wait wait wait. And then something is magically clicked on another part of the screen. I'm all "hello Mr. Asus, are you confused? Do you have any idea who I am???" No answer. Rude.

Another thing- I'll start typing and the letters don't show up right away. And then maybe not at all until I try again. And what happens a lot is that I'll be here typing and the letters show up in the wrong order. The Asus is misspelling my words. Or I am. Hard to say. Admittedly, this same problem occurs on every computer I use and often with pen and paper. But, let's just blame the Asus.

For a balanced approach, I decided to poll my live audience.

My sister Liza states: "It looks cool, but all you do is complain about it."

Liza's Tall Glass of Mantini, Shaken Not Stirred notes: "I haven't used it, but it looks really nice."

Our visiting canine, Holly: No comment.

So, there you have it.

Here's my plan:

Use the computer a little more.

See if I like anything about it.

See if anything improves with my love and care.

See if I can stop shouting curses at it.

Go to BestBuy and see if I can return this thing.

Meet a good looking geek on the Geek Squad.*
Go on a few dates with the geek.

Fall in love.

Then, my geek gives me an awesome but expensive laptop that is fast as lightning. Much like Kung Foo Fighting.

I blog all the time on my lightspeet computer.

I spell all words correctly.

I get a raise.

I buy a beach house.

So, you see, as frustrating as Mr. Asus has been so far, I'm open to giving it a chance knowing that I have a solid plan in place. The plan is such a comfort. It soothes me. I should probably mention that to my analyst. Jk- who sees analysts anymore? But, I'll mention it to my therapist. And to the Geek Squad.

*In truth, finding a good looking and normal geek on the Geek Squad is entirely unlikely in my experience. It would be a miracle.

It's not easy being GREEN

This little tiny 2 inch vial of medication was delivered to me in my office today. It has to be refrigerated. No big deal. I order and receive meds for patients all the time.
Right. Well, this tiny 2 inch vial arrived in this big box (1 foot, cubed). When I openned the box I saw that the brown cardboard box was then lined with a 2 inch deep styrofoam box filled with paper and a cooling pack and the little vial I need in a plastic bag.

Are they for rizzle? This happens all the time. Regularly. However, some pharmacies ship the medications in smaller or more environmentally friendly ways. This is just ridic.

.

And, you should know that everytime I receive a shipment like this I get upset and frustrated for the environment (and also because it is so annoying to open that styrofoam bit). See- I am so uber green. I recycle and I get irritated by things like this. And then I blog about it. Blogging is way greener than sending newsletters to each of you.

.

Also, this time I got so green that I called the company and left a message on the complaint line. Don't you think I'm moving up in the ranks from sage towards evergreen? What shade are you?

.

To save some energy I'll even send you each a virtual hug rather than giving you a real one: O

Saving the environment one post at a time. You're welcome.

.

xoxo,

Uptown Girl

inappropriate behavior

Please be advised that it is completely inappropriate to leave an Uptown Girl on hold. This should really be common sense and common knowledge. You don't put VIPs on hold. For any reason. Unless the VIP has asked to be put on hold because he or she needs a break from your voice. Barring that, just do not do it.

I have waited on hold so much this morning that I've decided to abandon my workplace at 5pm today not to return until early next year.

Make that early next decade.

Monday.

Also I had scheduled vacay days.

But I will be sticking it to the man nonetheless.

I would possibly approve of a hold system in which I choose my own music. Or if someone came on the line to tell me a story or provide some juicy gossip during the wait. [This idea is **Uptown Girl APPROVED**]

Uptown Girl Review

Last night I met a friend at a fairly new Upper Eastside eatery. I'd been there once before for coffee and a pastry, but we went for a little after-work snacky snack.

Gina La Fornarina, on 2nd Ave between 81st and 82nd. From the first time I passed this place on the M15 bus, I knew I had to pay a visit. It was summer and the entire front of the restaurant was open. There was a sea of white walls, ceiling, tables, chairs, shelves, bar, everything. And the tables overflowed onto the sidewalk. It didn't look like your typical "sidewalk seating" section, but just an extension of the seating inside. And I fell in love a little bit. It made my mind travel to some far off European city.

Now that the Big Apple is in the midst of an undesirable nor'easter, the outdoor seating is no longer an option and the restaurant's outer wall is a row of windows. Last night, already drenched and freezing, I was overjoyed to get to Gina's and step inside this warm peaceful atmosphere. After my body adjusted to the temperature I started to freeze again. Unfortunately, they had a window-wall panel open and I was getting a brisk breeze. Not nice at all. I'm not sure if the restaurant was actually freezing due to the open window, or if I was personally freezing in my rain soaked pants and converse kicks. The world may never know. The world does know this: I complained to the waiter and eventually the window-wall panel was closed and I was relieved of the gusty wind, but still cold.

I think deep down I am a glittering socialite diva. But even deeper down I am an elderly lady. The evidence: once I get cold I can't shake it, can't warm up, I think it is in my bones. My bones are cold and my body is shivering from the inside out. Also I have grey hair beneath this hairdye, my bones creak, and I listen to music from 40 years ago.

This sparkling diva has an announcement to make. You must MUST check out Gina la Fornarina. Because aside from the fluke weather issues, it is a find. It has yummy coffee, drinks (dying to try their Bellini), and food. Last night we shared this interesting focaccia pizza with bread on top and bottom, stuffed with ricotta cheese, tomatoes, arugula, and truffle sauce. It was unbelievable and I had to stuff myself. No choice really.

That said, my favorite part is actually the European atmosphere. There is no rush, and I felt as though we could stay there all night chatting and munching, like the table belonged to us. I've passed by several nights when there are couples or groups sitting there relaxing enjoying a bottle of wine and felt the urge to go join them (but I resisted).

[not the best pic, but I swear it was delish]

That is my two cents on my favorite fall find. Check it out and let me know what you think. Better yet, lets go together. I'd be happy to let you take me out for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks. Because that's the kind of girl I am.

late effects of television on the female brain

Don't worry, I watched the Office last night. The simple yet beautiful moments between Jim and Pam really touched me. Deep down. And Jim's little monologue at the end was enough to make me cry like a baby. And I liked it.

There is just something about a love that is true, that is pure, that is unfailing, and that is fake. It gets me every time. Is it totally unrealistic to expect real unscripted men to behave like Jim? Probably. Well, not probably, more like definitely.


I've discussed with my girlfriends (on multiple multiple occasions) the idea that Rosie O'Donnell brought to our attention in Sleepless in Seattle...

The scene: 2 women are sitting around either watching or discussing a movie. An Affair to Remember. Classic romance. Love it. Anyways I will let Annie and Becky do the talking.


Annie (Meg Ryan): "Now that was when people KNEW how to be in love. They knew it! Time, distance... nothing could separate them because they knew. It was right. It was real. It was..."

Becky (Rosie O): "A movie! That's your problem! You don't want to be in love. You want to be in love in a movie." [emphasis added for your benefit]


Now, to add a little sugar and spice to this post, I will send you over to read this brief classic post at OWN IT from 2008 where we discussed the difference between settling and being realistic about men. Little known fact... they are human. Did you know that?





I know you've seen me refer to babs in prior posts. Boys are bad and stupid. And this is a shocking concept to some (I can only assume these shocked souls are idealists with perfect lives). However, I think the idea of babs is actually quite forgiving to men, and not a man-bashing club. Ok, sometimes it is, but I just can't help myself when I get new raw material. Can you?

The theory played out should look something like this: if you assume that men will at some point do something bad, stupid, idiotic, wrong, mess up, etc then when the man in your life makes a mistake, which is inevitable, you can avoid feeling like men "always disappoint". Again- men and dads in movies are so unbelievable and perfect, and if they aren't perfect at the beginning of a show or movie, they are by the end. Am I right or am I right? Yes, I am. The men on the silver screen give us precisely what we need and want, and the men in real life can never measure up. It is unfair to both sexes.

What is fair then?? Thank you for asking. I'd say it is fair to assume that the men in our off-screen lives will be imperfect. We don't expect idealistic picture perfect friendships with our girlfriends, flawless and ever blissful relationships with our family, do we? So instead of waiting for the dude to fail and then responding with "aha! I knew he was an arse!" it can look more like "ahh yes, you're an arse, but that's life".

[Obvi I'm talking about failing in small everyday human ways, not the big stuff because that is a different level in the system. Don't get crazy.]

Do you agree with me? Yay or nay? Have you found a way to balance these oh so important everyday issues? Are you of the opinion that we women are the ones who tend to create the problems? Do tell.

This post is one long tangent that just kept developing itself as I wrote (and props to Liza for allowing me to plagiarize her whenever I want to). But what I really wanted to tell you is this: I have a hot date tonight. yep.