Passing the time

After a wonderful vacation in Montana with Sarah, Ryan and her extended family (of which I will write more later), I returned to Dallas last Saturday just in time to pack my bags and rush to the airport to catch a 6am flight on Sunday to New York.

While working really hard this past week in New York (I have learned to hate 12-14 hour work days), my boss and I took advantage of the wonderful weather Thursday evening to play hooky (although I don’t believe a work day which began at 6am and concluded at 8pm is really playing hooky - but I guess it is better than working till midnight which is what I should have done if I wanted everything finished on time).  So anyhow, after deciding that we were wasting our lives trapped in the lower level of the hotel we made our break for freedom and set out to explore a little of the city. One of the great features of having visited New York previously this year is that I didn’t feel any anxiety to “see everything”. Thus we took turns deciding where to go. First choice (mine) Times Square - its the only place I can get to without consulting the map. Second choice (Mark’s) Junior’s – for a delicious slice of Lemon Coconut cake and Mark had a delicious slice of Devil’s Food cheesecake (of which he shared a bite with me, yummy).  While enjoying our desserts we happened to notice a gentleman running through the Mariott center towards the theater which is showing “Chorus Line”. And who should that gentlman be but Mario Lopez himself. Obviously he was late for work that day – as he is now a part of “Chorus Line” – and he was supposed to be at the theater a little earlier than he was arriving. Nontheless, it was a great circumstantial celebrity sighting! Third destination (mine), Empire State Building – everytime I’m in New York I need to see it. There is something nostalgic about the construction, the history, the romance and the longevity of that building – that draws me back to it over and over again. Fourth destination (Mark’s) – find the water. A serious undertaking that took us through assorted ghettos and undesireable neighborhoods – all the while walking as fast as we possibly could. Finally after an hour of exploring assorted neighborhoods we saw the water.

As we were finding our way back to the hotel, we came upon the sight of Hell’s Kitchen (yes, the one shown on TV). We debated going in for drinks as it looked like a happening spot – but as it was a happening spot it was really, really crowded and we decided to continue on our way. Eventually we found ourselves walking along 9th Ave back up to 52nd St and what a great area it was especially when you reached 9th and 46th. The streets were lined with wonderful restaurants, bars and gourmet food shops. Next year when I come back – that area will be the spot where I hang out!!

So that’s all for now-New York (the one evening I was outdoors) was wonderful as always, but I’m still eager to go home – where it is less crowded and hopefully the air is a little cleaner.  I’ll see everyone soon!

Friday – a single girl out on the town – what to do?

Well, like any good person at the end of the work week I enjoyed a wonderful happy hour at Houlihan’s where I imbibed in a X-Martini (grapefruit, champagne and vodka) yummy, and then followed it with a dirty Martini while conversing with some friends. Ryan, Sarah and Rachel had initially thought they would be reaching Dallas at 7:30, so my original thought was just to have a few drinks and then meet them at my place so we could begin the SATC weekend in style. But a few hours later, they still were not in town due to some horrible traffic en route. That left me feeling a little hungry (i.e. ravenous) and my friends and I transported ourselves across the street to Chamberlin’s for a wonderful dinner.  My menu for the evening consisted of the 8oz fillet mignon with reduced au jus, garlic mashed potatoes, creamed asparagus.  After a nice leisurely dinner we had dessert and/or after dinner drinks (depending on your personal tastes). I had the opportunity to taste my first Brandy Alexander and how delicious! I’m going to look for a recipe when I have a spare moment cause few things in life are as good as brandy and ice cream together at the same time.

Later yet that evening, Ryan, Sarah and Rachel arrived in town and after a few drinks while catching up on all the news until the wee hours of the morning we called it a night (or should I say morning?). Satuday morning arrived and after a delightful breakfast prepared by Ryan we all went to one of my favorite stores Target to pick up some weekend supplies. Upon our return to the apt we then visited the lovely pool and spent some time relaxing and chilling out before beginning dinner preparations.

Our SATC goal was to make the 8pm show at the Angelika Theater at Mockingbird Station in Dallas. And we were right on time! We entered the theater to find that it was very full. Thus the 4 of us appropriated seats in the very front (thus giving us the best view) and we proceeded to laugh, groan and enjoy the show along with the other 100 plus people in the theater. After the movie ended we visited the Balcony Club which was just a little ways down the road which had a good jazz/blues group performing.

Sunday saw us chilling and recovering from the excesses of the weekend. Part of the recovery process is a good sushi lunch so we visited Ryan and Sarah’s favorite sushi restaurant “Sushi of Plano”. 

All in all an amazing weekend!!

And to make it even more wonderful – beginning this Friday, I’m on vacation!!!! 

Well gang, I finally visited my apartment pool. After an eventful early evening of trying on yet one more bridesmaid dress in preparation for Dali’s wedding I made my selection (and it looks quite lovely if I do say so) and then had Tricha meet me at my place for some long overdue gossip, margaritas and poolside relaxation.

Tricha arrived – burdened with all sorts of lovely snacks and after an adventure of freehand tequila measurements for the frozen margaritas we commandeered the best seats poolside for our own use. And wouldn’t you know it – 4 hours slipped  by amazingly fast and then it was midnight!!

This morning I dropped Tricha off at the airport (I think I deserve a special kudos for saving the company $$. Taxis and Shuttles are not cheap nowadays with the current gas prices) and have since been working very diligently all day.  This evening I’m going to visit White Rock Lake for some quality biking time with a fantastic view of the sailboats and some great people watching – I’m hoping to make 20 miles without suffering heatstroke

So that’s all for right now. I’m eagerly looking forward to vacation in just a few more days and of course the wrap up of various projects here at the office. My boss is back from vacation tomorrow and if I’m lucky he will be in a great mood.

I had FAMILY visit this past weekend! I know – I was in shock also – after 4 plus years of not having a single person visit me, my aunt from Michigan came down for the weekend.

I took Kathy out to see the sights on Saturday, showing her the American Airlines Center, the downtown skyline, Central Market and the Angelika Film Theater. We had a fantastic visit and spent hours catching up on all the news of family and extended relatives. Thankfully Kathy is a bookworm also so we spent some nice down time between visiting and driving around just hanging out together and reading, having tea and chatting about books.  Saturday afternoon we went to see the matinee showing of “Then she found me” with Helen Hunt, Bette Midler and Colin Firth (too cute). The movie was Helen Hunt’s directorial debut and we thoroughly enjoyed the show. After taking our evening walk around the neighborhood (and gossiping about how expensive we thought the homes were 500k at least) we then relaxed and got ready for the next busy day of going to White Rock Lake, shopping at Target, Barnes and Noble in Addison and of course a treat of gelato at Paciugo. We then cooked dinner together again and I used Kathy as a guinea pig for a recipe that I wanted to make for next weekend when the SATC gang all arrive. And let me tell you what – the recipe was delicious.

This morning saw sad farewells as I dropped her off at the airport. And while it was bittersweet to send her back to Michigan I still am thrilled that while she was here in Dallas we both had a fantastic time.