Friday, June 29, 2007
Another Miracle on 34th Street...
The Copacabana is closing this weekend! This is such great news; no more massive crowds near my apartment - screaming and shouting at 4:30 in the morning. No more upchuck from underage kids who have snuck in. No more drunks trying to accost me and my friends. No more Barry Manilow.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Rotten Egg to Eggs Benedict!
Another great thing about NYC is that you're always being impacted - affected by the diversity and behavior of people around you. Your mood is often taken by circumstances. It can lead to good days plummeting to bad ones, or vice versa - as yesterday turned out.
1) Didn't get the White House job. Didn't really expect it, but the news took the wind out of my sails a bit. After all, I'm in it to win it.
2) Had a meeting with my boss, which was about a situation over the weekend - in which I had headed up our coverage of the Missing OH Mom. Rehashing decisions you made 'in the heat of breaking news battle' is never fun... or completely clear.
3) Headed to get a blowout before a big date - and when I walked into the salon, it felt like I was hit with the heat of a thousand infernos. Yep, massive electricity outage in Manhattan yesterday. And you betcha, my salon fell within the grid. I grinned and grilled through an hour of blowout hell... where the hairdresser is slamming 110-degree heat to my hair and scalp in a room that's at least 92-degrees. I sweltered through...
4) Couldn't find a cab on way to date. Massive electricity outage also means subway issues - so everyone is taking a cab. Everyone except me.
5) When I finally made it to Madison Square Park to meet date at 6pm, I was sweating up a storm under a cloud of humidity. My hair felt more like 5 wool caps than a fancy 'do. And I definitely had a frazzled look - having just made it on time within minutes. I looked HOT.
6) After exactly 28 minutes of chit-chat - date suggested walking me out of the park before he walked the other way. Yep - 28 minutes. It was our own version of speed-dating. Except it wasn't. Except it WAS. I was a broken woman.
7) Trying to find cab to meet Alex for a drink on the UES, I can't find one (because of the lingering electricity problems). Then, like a vision, a limo pulls up and the driver says "You need a ride sweetheart?" I'm now beaming - and this becomes the BEST day ever! I get in the limo - it's a black stretch - and I don't even care if the driver was featured on America's Most Wanted Sunday night. This was my ride, and I was going to enjoy it all: the leather seats, the radio, the Air Conditioning.
8) By the time I hit Luke's on 3rd and 79th - Alex is there, typing furiously away into her Blackberry. She has a slight panic attack that a guy she used to date is at the same restaurant but then realizes it's not him. Phew. Because I would have walked up to him and poured a martini in his face for hurting my friend.
9) Over dinner, find out that Alex had the worst day ever too - yet we are somehow grateful to have pushed through our lackluster days, to an end that offered good laughs, a couple glasses of wine, and the satisfaction that we made it through another one.
1) Didn't get the White House job. Didn't really expect it, but the news took the wind out of my sails a bit. After all, I'm in it to win it.
2) Had a meeting with my boss, which was about a situation over the weekend - in which I had headed up our coverage of the Missing OH Mom. Rehashing decisions you made 'in the heat of breaking news battle' is never fun... or completely clear.
3) Headed to get a blowout before a big date - and when I walked into the salon, it felt like I was hit with the heat of a thousand infernos. Yep, massive electricity outage in Manhattan yesterday. And you betcha, my salon fell within the grid. I grinned and grilled through an hour of blowout hell... where the hairdresser is slamming 110-degree heat to my hair and scalp in a room that's at least 92-degrees. I sweltered through...
4) Couldn't find a cab on way to date. Massive electricity outage also means subway issues - so everyone is taking a cab. Everyone except me.
5) When I finally made it to Madison Square Park to meet date at 6pm, I was sweating up a storm under a cloud of humidity. My hair felt more like 5 wool caps than a fancy 'do. And I definitely had a frazzled look - having just made it on time within minutes. I looked HOT.
6) After exactly 28 minutes of chit-chat - date suggested walking me out of the park before he walked the other way. Yep - 28 minutes. It was our own version of speed-dating. Except it wasn't. Except it WAS. I was a broken woman.
7) Trying to find cab to meet Alex for a drink on the UES, I can't find one (because of the lingering electricity problems). Then, like a vision, a limo pulls up and the driver says "You need a ride sweetheart?" I'm now beaming - and this becomes the BEST day ever! I get in the limo - it's a black stretch - and I don't even care if the driver was featured on America's Most Wanted Sunday night. This was my ride, and I was going to enjoy it all: the leather seats, the radio, the Air Conditioning.
8) By the time I hit Luke's on 3rd and 79th - Alex is there, typing furiously away into her Blackberry. She has a slight panic attack that a guy she used to date is at the same restaurant but then realizes it's not him. Phew. Because I would have walked up to him and poured a martini in his face for hurting my friend.
9) Over dinner, find out that Alex had the worst day ever too - yet we are somehow grateful to have pushed through our lackluster days, to an end that offered good laughs, a couple glasses of wine, and the satisfaction that we made it through another one.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Bummer
Allison,
I'm afraid I have to tell you that the decision on the WH off-air job did not go your way. It should give you great satisfaction that we heard so many good things about you, but in the end we had to go with the person with the most direct experience. Thanks for the interest, and if it's okay with you I'll keep your resume close in case something else comes up...
I'm afraid I have to tell you that the decision on the WH off-air job did not go your way. It should give you great satisfaction that we heard so many good things about you, but in the end we had to go with the person with the most direct experience. Thanks for the interest, and if it's okay with you I'll keep your resume close in case something else comes up...
Monday, June 25, 2007
What?
Alex told me her bosses changed her schedule. She now has to be at work super early. This has super-killed our nightlife routine. I hate her bosses.
My Brother - My Hero
My baby brother - Chris, recently informed me he'll be deployed to Iraq. Please pray for him (and my mother) - as well as all those who are bravely serving our Armed Forces; for they are so deserving of good vibes and warm sentiments. I'm so proud of Chris - words cannot even begin to express.
Mom & Chris
Navy Seals Training
Cat Outta Bag
I was recently informed that I was still "in the running" for the White House producer job. People - this would be HUGE - producing with our White House correspondents - traveling with the President - and basically being the eyes and ears of our network at the White House. I do think the job is already locked up for someone else down in DC - but like any Miss America finalist would say: "I'm just happy to be here."
Special thanks to 2 correspondents and 4 bosses that went to bat for me on this gig. I will make you proud - in some fashion - I promise.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Serious for a bit...
This subject has been on my mind for a while:
This entire week, World News has been doing stories on the challenges baby boomers face caring for their elderly parents. Whether it's healthcare, hospice, or assisted living facilities - the costs are much more the concern than the actual care for many Americans. Every year, about 10 million people need long-term care - and most of those people live in their own homes. 10 million. Let that number sink in for a bit. And now to the next fact: Most of those people that need long-term care are living in their own homes. My father - who specializes in estate planning law - has confirmed to me the strong desire of some of his clients - wanting to cling to their homes - seeing assisted care and nursing home facilities as "a place to die." He informs me that many of the same clients take out 2nd mortgages on their homes - just to stay in them and get at-home hospice care. They eventually leave life with nothing - sucked dry of the money it takes to care for them - and the upfront regret that they cannot leave more of their lives and estate to their families.
I have seen my own family struggle with the decision-making process of my grandmother. A woman who desperately wanted to stay in her home of 50+ years after my grandfather died. But she was forgetting things - like if she ate lunch that day - or if she took her medication. But my grandmother - a Swedish immigrant and child of The Great Depression - had saved money throughout her life. The decision to put her in an assisted living facility was something she did not want - yet, it was something her dementia needed - and something she could afford.
Let me break down the numbers. A good assisted living facility - a good one, where they have activities and planned meals and regular health check-ups is about $5000/month. But there is a waiting list for many of these good places, as the demand is quite larger than the supply. Of course, if she actually knew how much she was paying - she would tell us all we had "rocks for brains." Fortunately for her - we didn't tell her how much it cost. In that respect, maybe we really do have "rocks for brains."
The math really rings raw when you read ABC News' article on the subject. Hit the title of this post for a debrief.
Why do I bring all of this up? Why is it now a cause in which I want to become more involved? Well - first up, it's personal. This is me and my grandma:
The love I feel for her is unwavering. At the same time, it's upsetting. It's a testament to the beauty of remarkable people who have truly touched us all.
The other reason why I bring it up is because I'm thinking of how this major healthcare/living care issue can be forwarded in size and scope.
Many of the people who read this are like me - children of the Baby Boom generation. Ever wonder whether they'll be able to get the adequate care they deserve at the end of life? I think about this a great deal - and wonder where our country's headed in that regard.
This is the future fact: Baby Boomers - with more time on their side because of medical advancement than ever before - will live longer than previous generations. They will live longer - yet their medical care will increase exponentially. We need to prepare for this truth. We need our parents to prepare for this truth; for it will be our responsibility in the end.
I was enlightened, and a bit stunned, at the information of a recent seminar touching on these very issues. The big umbrella breakdown is this expectant: The wealthy will have adequate care towards the end of their life. The poor will rely on government safety nets. Where does that leave aging middle-class America - the largest group? Well, if they haven't planned for it - nowhere.
It is up to us - right now - to create, foster, and implement real change in the long-term care we provide our citizens. It is an issue I believe is so greatly ignored - yet so vitally important. It is the issue of our time.
This entire week, World News has been doing stories on the challenges baby boomers face caring for their elderly parents. Whether it's healthcare, hospice, or assisted living facilities - the costs are much more the concern than the actual care for many Americans. Every year, about 10 million people need long-term care - and most of those people live in their own homes. 10 million. Let that number sink in for a bit. And now to the next fact: Most of those people that need long-term care are living in their own homes. My father - who specializes in estate planning law - has confirmed to me the strong desire of some of his clients - wanting to cling to their homes - seeing assisted care and nursing home facilities as "a place to die." He informs me that many of the same clients take out 2nd mortgages on their homes - just to stay in them and get at-home hospice care. They eventually leave life with nothing - sucked dry of the money it takes to care for them - and the upfront regret that they cannot leave more of their lives and estate to their families.
I have seen my own family struggle with the decision-making process of my grandmother. A woman who desperately wanted to stay in her home of 50+ years after my grandfather died. But she was forgetting things - like if she ate lunch that day - or if she took her medication. But my grandmother - a Swedish immigrant and child of The Great Depression - had saved money throughout her life. The decision to put her in an assisted living facility was something she did not want - yet, it was something her dementia needed - and something she could afford.
Let me break down the numbers. A good assisted living facility - a good one, where they have activities and planned meals and regular health check-ups is about $5000/month. But there is a waiting list for many of these good places, as the demand is quite larger than the supply. Of course, if she actually knew how much she was paying - she would tell us all we had "rocks for brains." Fortunately for her - we didn't tell her how much it cost. In that respect, maybe we really do have "rocks for brains."
The math really rings raw when you read ABC News' article on the subject. Hit the title of this post for a debrief.
Why do I bring all of this up? Why is it now a cause in which I want to become more involved? Well - first up, it's personal. This is me and my grandma:
The love I feel for her is unwavering. At the same time, it's upsetting. It's a testament to the beauty of remarkable people who have truly touched us all.
The other reason why I bring it up is because I'm thinking of how this major healthcare/living care issue can be forwarded in size and scope.
Many of the people who read this are like me - children of the Baby Boom generation. Ever wonder whether they'll be able to get the adequate care they deserve at the end of life? I think about this a great deal - and wonder where our country's headed in that regard.
This is the future fact: Baby Boomers - with more time on their side because of medical advancement than ever before - will live longer than previous generations. They will live longer - yet their medical care will increase exponentially. We need to prepare for this truth. We need our parents to prepare for this truth; for it will be our responsibility in the end.
I was enlightened, and a bit stunned, at the information of a recent seminar touching on these very issues. The big umbrella breakdown is this expectant: The wealthy will have adequate care towards the end of their life. The poor will rely on government safety nets. Where does that leave aging middle-class America - the largest group? Well, if they haven't planned for it - nowhere.
It is up to us - right now - to create, foster, and implement real change in the long-term care we provide our citizens. It is an issue I believe is so greatly ignored - yet so vitally important. It is the issue of our time.
Last Night in Review
Alex discusses her last bad date.
Birthday Boy!
Fake Candid Shot
Birthday Twins Activate!
Candid Shot 2
Gang's All Here
Rage Against The Jukebox
That's Not A Pillow!
Tool To the Left
Anti-Establishment Sign
Bacon Bits
Help Me With My Hoodie!
Carey Doesn't Get It
What A Relief!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Moonshine
Last night was one of those crazy NYC nights... and luckily for you, I had a camera!
I got off work at 10pm. I was exhausted - beat up from a uncharacteristically busy Friday - and to make matters worse, I had debilitating cramps. Sorry if you're uncomfortable with that last description - but hey, I'm the one having to destroy an egg every month and it ain't no picnic. I had taken about 10 tablets of Aleve during the day - and while the meds couldn't catch up to the pain... I'm sure all those pills ate away at my stomach.
So besides being crampy and antisocial and out of it - with the Aleve and all - I was determined to head to Nate's birthday party at an East Village bar. Alex was nice enough to join, so we headed out. Was meeting Heather and Carey there. Here's a rundown of the night's events:
1) While walking to Nate's party - Alex got accosted by a drunk dude who put his hands around her waist and mumbled out something inaudible.
2) Faked candid photo shots with Nate and company.
3) Drank lots of beers on top of 10 Aleve pills. You catch my drift.
4) Thought that grabbing hotdogs at Rudy's at 2:30am was a "great idea."
5) On taxi ride to Rudy's, our cab broke down. Heather's boyfriend, Carey, tried to troubleshoot the problem... which was hilarious because his own gas tank was full of beer.
6) Got to Rudy's - and Carey became Music Snob - his rage aimed squarely at the jukebox. By this time, I was also over his anti-establishment rants.
7) Random guy grabbing Heather's ASSets, and Carey becoming angry - saying "I want to put his face in dirt." Seriously - this was Carey's threat... which sounded more like something Joe Dirt would say.
8) Heather and I repeatedly bumping into the restroom hand dryer - and repeatedly scared at its force of power. This resulted in us having massive laughing fits over NOTHING.
9) 400+ pound bouncer whispering in my ear, "I like you more every time I see you." Yep, these are the guys I snag. Winners.
10) Two girls making out at the bar - and about every guy in the place toppling tables, pushing people, and throwing chairs - making a beeline to catch and camera photo the action. Pathetic.
11) Upon leaving, Heather putting her hoodie jacket on upside down. Hilarious to catch her hood swinging in the breeze over her butt. More hilarious - she kept fighting our efforts to correct the hoodie situation.
12) Carey forgoing the 24-hour Dunkin' Donuts - instead relieving himself at a phone booth on the street.
13) Me making it home around 4:30am, along with the rest of the building. Hanging out for a few minutes talking with my fellow drunk tenants. One tenant - who lives on my floor - kept taking my hand and twirling me. He and I exchanged phone numbers for future neighborly stuff - and at 5:03am, as I lay my head on my pillow for the night - get a text from him:
"How about u come cuddle? Strait up no games. - Adam"
That's not very neighborly!
As amazing as the offer was, I passed. And passed out.
(Pictures to come)
I got off work at 10pm. I was exhausted - beat up from a uncharacteristically busy Friday - and to make matters worse, I had debilitating cramps. Sorry if you're uncomfortable with that last description - but hey, I'm the one having to destroy an egg every month and it ain't no picnic. I had taken about 10 tablets of Aleve during the day - and while the meds couldn't catch up to the pain... I'm sure all those pills ate away at my stomach.
So besides being crampy and antisocial and out of it - with the Aleve and all - I was determined to head to Nate's birthday party at an East Village bar. Alex was nice enough to join, so we headed out. Was meeting Heather and Carey there. Here's a rundown of the night's events:
1) While walking to Nate's party - Alex got accosted by a drunk dude who put his hands around her waist and mumbled out something inaudible.
2) Faked candid photo shots with Nate and company.
3) Drank lots of beers on top of 10 Aleve pills. You catch my drift.
4) Thought that grabbing hotdogs at Rudy's at 2:30am was a "great idea."
5) On taxi ride to Rudy's, our cab broke down. Heather's boyfriend, Carey, tried to troubleshoot the problem... which was hilarious because his own gas tank was full of beer.
6) Got to Rudy's - and Carey became Music Snob - his rage aimed squarely at the jukebox. By this time, I was also over his anti-establishment rants.
7) Random guy grabbing Heather's ASSets, and Carey becoming angry - saying "I want to put his face in dirt." Seriously - this was Carey's threat... which sounded more like something Joe Dirt would say.
8) Heather and I repeatedly bumping into the restroom hand dryer - and repeatedly scared at its force of power. This resulted in us having massive laughing fits over NOTHING.
9) 400+ pound bouncer whispering in my ear, "I like you more every time I see you." Yep, these are the guys I snag. Winners.
10) Two girls making out at the bar - and about every guy in the place toppling tables, pushing people, and throwing chairs - making a beeline to catch and camera photo the action. Pathetic.
11) Upon leaving, Heather putting her hoodie jacket on upside down. Hilarious to catch her hood swinging in the breeze over her butt. More hilarious - she kept fighting our efforts to correct the hoodie situation.
12) Carey forgoing the 24-hour Dunkin' Donuts - instead relieving himself at a phone booth on the street.
13) Me making it home around 4:30am, along with the rest of the building. Hanging out for a few minutes talking with my fellow drunk tenants. One tenant - who lives on my floor - kept taking my hand and twirling me. He and I exchanged phone numbers for future neighborly stuff - and at 5:03am, as I lay my head on my pillow for the night - get a text from him:
"How about u come cuddle? Strait up no games. - Adam"
That's not very neighborly!
As amazing as the offer was, I passed. And passed out.
(Pictures to come)
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Brooklyn Winos
Anna & Kristin invited a gaggle of us over to their new gigantor place in Brooklyn last night. They were such great hostesses, even inviting over my zit... which takes up a lot of room and is known to hog the wine at these type of events. They know the raddest friends, and we all had a ball. Thanks much Anna & Kristin!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Open Wound
You know your dating life is less than dismal - when in conversation with a friend - urging her to maybe explore dating life a bit - she uses you as an example of what she doesn't want her life to become:
"Well, you've been dating for years, and you haven't found anyone at all."
Ouch. Still licking that wound.
"Well, you've been dating for years, and you haven't found anyone at all."
Ouch. Still licking that wound.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Steak Date
I was in the mood for steak - a really great steak. I could almost taste it - as I sat in a florescent newsroom with sound from the Nifong hearing, space station computer update, and Ruth Graham funeral bagpipes barreling through my ears. As the minutes until my departure diminished, I knew I wanted meat... juicy, medium flamed, beef. And potatoes. And buttered bread. I wanted chandeliers and dimly lit booths. I wanted beautiful wooden and ornate wall hangings. I wanted gorgeous waiters in bow ties. I wanted a dizzying wine list. I wanted it all. And last night, I got it.
Hit up Frankie & Johnny's steakhouse on W. 37th. After reading dozens of great reviews of the place, it was never not within my sight. Date night proved the perfect opportunity to test run this gem... in the midst of midtown porn shops and abandoned warehouses. I grabbed it for Saturday night, and made a reservation.
The place was perfect, the conversation seamless, the porterhouse fantastic, and the after-dinner treat unbelievable. The restaurant offers a complimentary limo service. So we hopped in, and went to go see Knocked Up. Hey, at least the first half of date night was sophisticated. The latter half was hilarious. Perfect date night.
Hit up Frankie & Johnny's steakhouse on W. 37th. After reading dozens of great reviews of the place, it was never not within my sight. Date night proved the perfect opportunity to test run this gem... in the midst of midtown porn shops and abandoned warehouses. I grabbed it for Saturday night, and made a reservation.
The place was perfect, the conversation seamless, the porterhouse fantastic, and the after-dinner treat unbelievable. The restaurant offers a complimentary limo service. So we hopped in, and went to go see Knocked Up. Hey, at least the first half of date night was sophisticated. The latter half was hilarious. Perfect date night.
Friday, June 15, 2007
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Sorry I haven't blogged about the 2nd leg of our Euro trip. Waiting for Heather to get back from her 2nd summer vacation... because she has the truly memorable pictures from Paris - where my words alone cannot do our overnight train story justice.
LAME TOURISM AD
Don't really think the Dominican Republic's tourism pitch... that it's an "inexhaustible" place works. It just sounds weird.
SHOUT OUT
Alex came up the big winner last night. Not only did she know where to grab the best sangria and tapas - she also introduced me to her super-rad friends, Diane and Carol.
CELL PHONE DUDE
Cell phone dude called, to thank me again for returning phone. Suggested we meet after a while - because he's "really busy over the next week-and-a-half." I zoned out and hung up. Then I showed him by eating an entire Cinnabon while spending lots of money shopping. Gastronomy & Retail Therapy.
BAG PROBLEM
Bought another Michael Kors bag - only because I succumbed to the saleswoman's pitch when she said the particular bag I was strumming in my hot little hands was flying off the shelves - and it was the last one. I also bought 2 handbags in Europe. Yeah, I have a problem.
IN-COMING COOPER
Me - walking home last night, south on 9th Ave, approx. 7:45pm
Him - walking north on 9th Ave, approx. 7:45pm
We pass, exchange quick glances, and I notice he's much shorter in person.
Anderson Cooper drive-by.
Sorry I haven't blogged about the 2nd leg of our Euro trip. Waiting for Heather to get back from her 2nd summer vacation... because she has the truly memorable pictures from Paris - where my words alone cannot do our overnight train story justice.
LAME TOURISM AD
Don't really think the Dominican Republic's tourism pitch... that it's an "inexhaustible" place works. It just sounds weird.
SHOUT OUT
Alex came up the big winner last night. Not only did she know where to grab the best sangria and tapas - she also introduced me to her super-rad friends, Diane and Carol.
CELL PHONE DUDE
Cell phone dude called, to thank me again for returning phone. Suggested we meet after a while - because he's "really busy over the next week-and-a-half." I zoned out and hung up. Then I showed him by eating an entire Cinnabon while spending lots of money shopping. Gastronomy & Retail Therapy.
BAG PROBLEM
Bought another Michael Kors bag - only because I succumbed to the saleswoman's pitch when she said the particular bag I was strumming in my hot little hands was flying off the shelves - and it was the last one. I also bought 2 handbags in Europe. Yeah, I have a problem.
IN-COMING COOPER
Me - walking home last night, south on 9th Ave, approx. 7:45pm
Him - walking north on 9th Ave, approx. 7:45pm
We pass, exchange quick glances, and I notice he's much shorter in person.
Anderson Cooper drive-by.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
AllisonLand
BREAKING NEWS
Met a really cute guy last night on the UWS. His name's Rob. We split a cab after the bar, and I could kinda tell he was a little sweet on me. Anyway, he asked me for my number - which I watched him punch into his phone. He gave me a kiss on the cheek and jumped out of the cab. I had perma-grin for like 10 blocks. That is, until I got to my stop and discovered he accidentally left his cell phone behind. Great. Now he'll never call me. This is so Allisonland typical.
PINHEAD
The weird sadness didn't stop there, my friend. Oh no. While walking home, I dipped into a neighborhood bar to just say hello to my favorite bartender, Barry. I sat down, he greeted me and we started catching up. There were only about 5 people in the bar - but there was a lot of activity surrounding one patron. I played video trivia while other people were taking pictures with this random bald dude. Then I think I recognized him. Yep, washed-up-has-been-former-MTV-VeeJay-from-the-90's Matt Pinfield!
All I remember is that he was the dweeb who knew everything about every band. This observation became fact as I watched him sing every single word to obscure songs from the jukebox. He eventually plopped down beside me - probably to find out why I wasn't clamoring all over him like the rest of the broads in the joint. I acted like I had no idea who he was - and you know what? That made him want to date me! He was all over me - and Barry and I shared about a million this-is-hilarious are-you-seeing-what-I'm-seeing glances. Anyway, Matt Pinfield asked for my number, and folks - I may seriously have a date soon with him. Hilarious. Get your music trivia ready people - because Stump Pinfield is so in order!
Met a really cute guy last night on the UWS. His name's Rob. We split a cab after the bar, and I could kinda tell he was a little sweet on me. Anyway, he asked me for my number - which I watched him punch into his phone. He gave me a kiss on the cheek and jumped out of the cab. I had perma-grin for like 10 blocks. That is, until I got to my stop and discovered he accidentally left his cell phone behind. Great. Now he'll never call me. This is so Allisonland typical.
PINHEAD
The weird sadness didn't stop there, my friend. Oh no. While walking home, I dipped into a neighborhood bar to just say hello to my favorite bartender, Barry. I sat down, he greeted me and we started catching up. There were only about 5 people in the bar - but there was a lot of activity surrounding one patron. I played video trivia while other people were taking pictures with this random bald dude. Then I think I recognized him. Yep, washed-up-has-been-former-MTV-VeeJay-from-the-90's Matt Pinfield!
All I remember is that he was the dweeb who knew everything about every band. This observation became fact as I watched him sing every single word to obscure songs from the jukebox. He eventually plopped down beside me - probably to find out why I wasn't clamoring all over him like the rest of the broads in the joint. I acted like I had no idea who he was - and you know what? That made him want to date me! He was all over me - and Barry and I shared about a million this-is-hilarious are-you-seeing-what-I'm-seeing glances. Anyway, Matt Pinfield asked for my number, and folks - I may seriously have a date soon with him. Hilarious. Get your music trivia ready people - because Stump Pinfield is so in order!
Friday, June 8, 2007
A Vacation In Review: Barca
DEPARTURE
A dicey departure in NYC rush hour was made fun by a bottle of wine for the car ride. By the time we hit JFK, we were laughing at nothing. That was all about to change.
TURBULENCE
At the airport, we were met with "Did you miss your flight?" Umm... no. There was some confusion behind the counter - the taking of passports, and a disappearing act by the ticket agent. Should have known, as this was Iberia Airlines - which translates into You-Will-Be-Confused-Because-We-Work-Hard-To-Confuse-You Airlines. In a short time, however, we had boarding passes in hand and were on our way.
FLIGHT OUT
All I remember of the Madrid Airport on the way to Barcelona was that it was the size of 9 airports - enormous and eerie, considering the lack of passengers/hustle-and-bustle normally found at airports. It's like it had been built to host an Olympic Games - but never got them. Also jetlag and an Ambien that didn't take resulted in me throwing up. Hot.
BARCA LANDING
Wheels down in Barcelona. Best part about airport adventure was our taxi driver playing Criss Cross' "Jump" when we got in the cab... evidence of the indelible pen of the best in American culture and music - and its reaches worldwide.
JET LAG DISMISSAL
Got to hotel - where we ran into some of the DC contigency... who had been there a few days before us. They prodded us to wave off sleep for a chance to meet up with bride and groom in Placa de Santa Maria. We walk through cobblestone streets and end up tossing back Claras here:
ROOM SERVICE
After about a dozen beers each, Heather and I join Steve to check out his hotel. He stayed at the Ritz Carlton on the Mediterranean... and his corner suite dripped in gold. His bathroom alone was the size of 2 of my apartments. Our trio got silly - donned 5-star white robes, ordered room service for a vodka bar and dinner... topping $600 Euro total. Ouch! And it was only our first night! We laugh it all off at a Euro club and eventually - a quick skinny dip in the Mediterranean.
WEDDING DAY
Next day was Marc and Julie's big day. Ceremony was in lovely 13th Century small church on a cliffside outside Barcelona. Reception was at a dining hall on the beach. Most hollywoodish wedding I've attended to date. Pictures of couple and party below:
FLOWER COMPLEX
At the reception, Julie and Marc gave me the bride's bouquet... which I was extremely flattered by, but at the same time - a bit mortified at the meaning of such a gesture. Complex set it... in which I believed this was the only bouquet I was EVER going to hold, and asked Heather to take a million pictures of me with it. Lame girl. Rest of reception was filled with mad dancing and laughing and everyone hitting on the wait staff. Rest of night was spent drinking in a Spanish square and staying up until 10am on the roof of our hotel. You have no idea how much fun.
WHAT CITY ARE WE IN?
Last 2 days in Barcelona was trying to get a handle on where exactly I was. As stated above, the first 2 days were more or less wedding-related, and I still had no bearing as to how to get around. Spent time wandering down colorfully-lined cobblestone streets, dipping into local restaurants, and taking a bus tour of the city.
Barcelona Overview
La Sagrada Familia
TRAIN DEPOT
After 4 fun-filled days, it was time for us to depart for Paris. Our overnight train trip took on a life of its own, with absolutely insane misadventures to follow. Will update Paris Phase of trip soon. For a tease, hit Heather's recount of our entire trip at her blog.
*pix made possible by Mrs. Ali Breen. More of my flix to come; I'm still weeding out the scandalous.
A dicey departure in NYC rush hour was made fun by a bottle of wine for the car ride. By the time we hit JFK, we were laughing at nothing. That was all about to change.
TURBULENCE
At the airport, we were met with "Did you miss your flight?" Umm... no. There was some confusion behind the counter - the taking of passports, and a disappearing act by the ticket agent. Should have known, as this was Iberia Airlines - which translates into You-Will-Be-Confused-Because-We-Work-Hard-To-Confuse-You Airlines. In a short time, however, we had boarding passes in hand and were on our way.
FLIGHT OUT
All I remember of the Madrid Airport on the way to Barcelona was that it was the size of 9 airports - enormous and eerie, considering the lack of passengers/hustle-and-bustle normally found at airports. It's like it had been built to host an Olympic Games - but never got them. Also jetlag and an Ambien that didn't take resulted in me throwing up. Hot.
BARCA LANDING
Wheels down in Barcelona. Best part about airport adventure was our taxi driver playing Criss Cross' "Jump" when we got in the cab... evidence of the indelible pen of the best in American culture and music - and its reaches worldwide.
JET LAG DISMISSAL
Got to hotel - where we ran into some of the DC contigency... who had been there a few days before us. They prodded us to wave off sleep for a chance to meet up with bride and groom in Placa de Santa Maria. We walk through cobblestone streets and end up tossing back Claras here:
ROOM SERVICE
After about a dozen beers each, Heather and I join Steve to check out his hotel. He stayed at the Ritz Carlton on the Mediterranean... and his corner suite dripped in gold. His bathroom alone was the size of 2 of my apartments. Our trio got silly - donned 5-star white robes, ordered room service for a vodka bar and dinner... topping $600 Euro total. Ouch! And it was only our first night! We laugh it all off at a Euro club and eventually - a quick skinny dip in the Mediterranean.
WEDDING DAY
Next day was Marc and Julie's big day. Ceremony was in lovely 13th Century small church on a cliffside outside Barcelona. Reception was at a dining hall on the beach. Most hollywoodish wedding I've attended to date. Pictures of couple and party below:
FLOWER COMPLEXAt the reception, Julie and Marc gave me the bride's bouquet... which I was extremely flattered by, but at the same time - a bit mortified at the meaning of such a gesture. Complex set it... in which I believed this was the only bouquet I was EVER going to hold, and asked Heather to take a million pictures of me with it. Lame girl. Rest of reception was filled with mad dancing and laughing and everyone hitting on the wait staff. Rest of night was spent drinking in a Spanish square and staying up until 10am on the roof of our hotel. You have no idea how much fun.
WHAT CITY ARE WE IN?
Last 2 days in Barcelona was trying to get a handle on where exactly I was. As stated above, the first 2 days were more or less wedding-related, and I still had no bearing as to how to get around. Spent time wandering down colorfully-lined cobblestone streets, dipping into local restaurants, and taking a bus tour of the city.
Barcelona Overview
La Sagrada Familia
TRAIN DEPOT
After 4 fun-filled days, it was time for us to depart for Paris. Our overnight train trip took on a life of its own, with absolutely insane misadventures to follow. Will update Paris Phase of trip soon. For a tease, hit Heather's recount of our entire trip at her blog.
*pix made possible by Mrs. Ali Breen. More of my flix to come; I'm still weeding out the scandalous.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)