Greetings!!!

From sunny California...my new home!!!



Look, I had been going on 5 years here this coming August, and just felt like it was time for a change. So I quit my new job, packed up my things, hopped on a plane, and here I am! I went to school in CA and always wanted to live in San Francisco, so why not now?

I'll tell you why not, because what kind of person would just up and quit their new job to move across the country just b/c they felt like it?? I didn't move! C'mon guys, don't you know me better than that? Seriously, did any of you believe that first paragraph? I'd really like to know. I'm taking an informal poll.

The real reason I haven't written in over a month is...well, um...okay, there is no reason. Quite frankly, I don't really need one anyway. This is a blog, not newspaper. And if you weigh what you read on this blog on the same scale as a newspaper, then God help you. However, I would venture to say that my blog is more informative than most morning news shows.

So how have you been? Me? I've been doing well. Thanks for asking. I guess you could say that my life has been pretty busy and crazy with this new job. But you know what, that's no excuse either. Who's life ISN'T busy and crazy?! I will admit though, there was a big turning point in my life about a week or so ago. I was at work and suddenly handed this...




Yes, this is even the actual model. Why they decided I need the "World Edition" model, I have no idea. But whatever. At this point, I'm over the whole "I'm above having a Blackberry" thing. In the end of the day, it's a cellphone with a bigger screen on which I can check my email, and I have one less bill to pay, which fine with me. I don't feel anymore attached to it than I did my cellphone. My life doesn't really feel that different. I don't recieve anymore phone calls than I used to, and the light is usually flashing green.

So wait, what's the big deal about these things anyway?

Okay, enough about the stupid Blackberry. Really, the main point of this is post is to " reach out, touch base, follow up, communicate, and give you a heads up" that I am here and alive.

Also a hint about a future post all about a new language I'm picking up called: CORPORATE JARGON....coming soon.

In the meantime, I hope all your stomachs are still at your knees and your hearts are in your throats at the momentary thought that I had up and moved out to the West coast. Yeah, probably not....

Be back soon!!

New Holiday Tradition

Well, the holidays are officially over.

I said these exact words to myself this morning as I came out of the dry cleaners just in time to get a nice whiff of the exhaust spewing from the tailpipe of the crosstown 72nd street bus I just missed. Oh don't worry. Being the optimist that I am my next thought was, "Oh great. 10 extra minutes. Now I can go and deposit my rent check. (insert sarcasm here) Because there's nothing I enjoy more than watching that drain my bank account." So at least I had that goin' for me.

Anyway, the point of this post is to share my observations on a new holiday trend that's recently emerged in probably the last few years, but I'm usually behind on things, so I really only noticed it this year. This new holiday tradition I write of is....




THE HOLIDAY GROUP TEXT

For those of you who don't have cell phones or Blackberries, or iPhones or whatever, I'll explain. Because yes, I believe there is at least ONE of who reads this that doesn't....you know who you are ;) The holiday group text is pretty self explanitory. It's a text message you get wishing you a HAPPY fill in holiday here.

Now, I know what you're all thinking.



"Geez Midwesterngal, don't be such a Debbie Downer. What the hell's wrong with someone wishing you a happy holiday? Get over yourself." Well at least let me explain a little more as to why I find this trend so strange/slightly annoying. I guess the best way would be to share the first one.

Thanksgiving. 8:30am. I'm at home (CENTRAL TIME) in bed and half asleep. I am awakened by a little dinging sound from my phone across the room indicating that I have an incoming text. Hhmmm...what the hell, who is sending me a text right now? Let's see, it reads, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! And it's from....MY OLD BOSS??? You've got to me kidding me. So I just tossed it back across the room. What I really should have done was to respond, "Happy Thanksgiving to you too. Now please erase my # from your phone. I don't work for you anymore." But I didn't...just not that quick of a thinker.

So, can you see why that one was not exactly appreciated?

That was just Thanksgiving. Now we're onto Christmas where, throughout the course of the day I got the following:

11:33pm Merry Christmas...oops, they didn't realize I was in St. Louis, central time. Not Christmas yet.

10:24am Feliz Navidad! Um, I had no idea you spoke Spanish.

2:37pm Merry Xmas all! Thanks for spelling it out.

Now, you're probably thinking, "How do you know when you're the victim of a group text?" Well, for starters think about the source. In my case, these all came from random people like, my old boss or people who I know....but not THAT well. And by that I mean that none of these people would send me and JUST me a text message. I think the worst is when, for that split second, you fall for the group text and respond back. Like my friend who sent me the Feliz Navidad text. I actually wrote back Buon Natale to this person.

Right after I pressed SEND, I realized that I had been fooled and went DOH! I often imagine that as these people are recieving the stream of responses back, they are thinking "I am so popular. People love me." And that's how they decide whether or not to send it to you as they go through their phone book. Even if you don't fall for it, you're at least increasing their odds of # of responses in their minds.

Look, all I'm saying to these people is that although you have the best of intentions, you're not fooling anybody. (Well, except in those few cases with me) We know that your half assed holiday wishes that you couldn't even form into an email were probably sent out while you were at home or some holiday party where you were most likely just texting and trying to look "super busy" while trying to avoid some family member.

It's okay. We've all been there. But next time at least tack on something like, "I'm also very bored at this lame party," or "Thanks, you also just saved me from having to explain to my highschool friends what it is again I do for a living." or even an "I hate my family," would make me feel better. I mean, if you're going to use us as an excuse, at least give us all a thanks or a shout out.

In the meantime, I guess I'm supposed to be thankful that you clicked on my name as you scrolled through the phone book in your cell phone. Wow. Gee, thanks. Shall I move onto New Years??

11:05pm Happy New Year! Oops, you were AHEAD of me on that one!

12:03am Merry New Year! Well, that's a new one

1:31am Happy New Year! Love you Um, just glad that you live in another city, and are probably totally wasted, so that we can avoid that awkward conversation.

So there it is. A new holiday tradition. Any thoughts? I'm still undecided...well, not really.

But there is one thing worse than a holiday group text: Holiday blog greetings.

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!!!

The office Holiday party...

Aren't they weird???

Okay, so I'm sure this is no shocker. But I'm new to this. This is my first holiday season in my new BIG COMPANY job. Years past, we've always had some kind of a holiday drinks/gathering at this time of year. Well, of course except that one year when we had it in January because we just couldn't get out acts together. Um, then last year there was the holiday party my boss hosted...at his apartment. Yeah, and guess who had to go there in the middle of the day to set it all up? Let's put it this way: the fire alarm in his kitchen works.

But that's neither here nor there, on to this year's "party." Now there is a much bigger company wide party next week in a big public place with the head of the company making an appearence where we will present him with our present to HIM...yes, that's right. We are all supposed to sign a journal for him to recieve. Yeah....

This week is our department's "Holiday Lunch." So the theme was POTLUCK. So yes, that means that everyone and by that I mean all 50 or so of us are supposed to bring in a dish. So basically what that means is that I'm gonna find myself standing around eating mashed potatoes and baked ziti and other random food combinations in the middle of the day...followed by Christmas cookies of course. Then, after staying for the appropriately polite amount of time, you get back to your desk and just want to fall asleep.



I can just see it now...a sea of random tupperware containers, soggy reheated food, and awkward conversation, because after three whole weeks of working here I'm feeling oh so close to everyone. But there will be sparkling cider, so I guess that makes up for it all.

Oh my god. What is my problem. I like Christmas. I really do!

Okay, let's end this one on a good note...



Christmas lights!! In Sweden....yeah I know random. But I think they're pretty!

It's the MOST wonderful time of the year...

You know it's that joyous, magical time of year when....



You pass the time waiting for the 2 express train during rush hour to arrive by being forced to endure listening to Winter Wonderland being played on the steel drums in the subway station. For a second, I closed my eyes and thought that I was spending Christmas on a cruiseship or at a cheesy Sandals resort on some far off remote island...

Yes folks, Christmas season in New York has arrived!!!



Oh yearh, and I'm pretty sure that they've already lit the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center too...but I guess I missed that.

So...what exactly do you DO all day??

For those of you who may not know (or care), as of September 18th, I have been without a job. Don't worry! I wasn't fired. I quit on my own. And NO I did not storm out in fit of rage, wildly shaking my fist in the air yelling, "You know what?! You people are all crazy, and I don't need you or ANY of this! I QUIT!!."

That's the "Wow. I just had the best dream," version.

It was actually quite boring how it all happened. I had been there 3 years this past August. Starting in about, oh I don't know, last spring/early summer, I had been feeling restless. You know, you get frustrated and angry at things that normally didn't upset you before. In my mind, that's when you know that it's time to go. So I did. Plus, right around that time, we hired a new girl who everyone liked and noticed had been doing a good job. So when I officially decided to leave in late August, I knew that when I gave notice to my boss I could ask to offer the job to her...and that was that. I gave my boss my two weeks notice and she accepted the job. It was almost too easy...

Right after my last day of work, I went home to St. Louis to be in a good friend's wedding. It was one of those three day affairs, so I figured I'd just get in early, take the next week off, and hit the ground running on the whole job front when I got back. The wedding went well and it was great to spend time with the family, etc..

Flashforward to early October. I've been back exactly two days and am throwing a wedding brunch for a good friend of mine. I know what you're thinking, "What the hell is the deal with all these weddings?" What can I say? I'm in my mid 20's...27 to be EXACT, engagement rings are the new black.

I digress, because that is a whole other post in itself....

Which brings us to the title of this post, the BIG question. Now, the first time someone asked me this, it was a friend at this brunch. Granted I had been back in NYC a whole day and a half, I gave the rather snappish reply of "Well, seeing only yesterday was my first day back, I went to the bank, paid my rent, went to the store, unpacked, and went through about two weeks of accumulated mail, which lead to the ever fun task of paying bills...is that okay?"

Yikes! At this point, I would like to take this opportunity to officially apologize to said friend for being so defensive. What can I say? I was having an insecure moment. After all, I was unmarried (with no prospects), umemployed (with no prospects), and pregnant. Okay, so I'm not pregnant. It wasn't all that bad. Also, I just wanted to see if you were still paying attention.

So you asked. We I answered. Here's what I do all day, and it's not what you think. My days are actually very structured. And by that I mean....around televsion. I'm an early morning person. Always have been, probably always will be. I try to sleep in, I do. But I will also say that it is very hard to sleep when they are erecting an 18 story luxury condominium two buildings down from you. Those guys are up early and start their jackhammers ON TIME.

So, 'bout 7am I am up. I go grab the paper, make breakfast and read the WHOLE thing while watching my favorite early morning TV show.


Um...not exactly. I hate this show. I'm sorry. I don't mean to offend. In fact, I hate ALL early morning news shows. I really don't like having the news spoon fed to me by people in suits, with blown out hair, eyeliner, glossy lips and botoxed skin (and I'm just talking about the men) while I'm in my PJ's and looking like wreck. I don't really need to know which foods may or may not prevent cancer. I like to live dangerously. I prefer to passively read my news. No, instead I tune into this:


I know...so PRETTY, isn't it?? It's called Sunrise Earth. This show is on the Discovery Channel at 7am every morning, and well that's pretty much what it is. For half an hour, they have a camera at some remote location and they film the sunrise. SO much more pleasant than Matt, Katie, Meredith, Ann, Harry, Diane, Regis, Kelly, the entire cast of the View or ANYONE shouting at you in the morning. Seriously, you should try watching it sometime. I love it.

So I take my time reading the paper, and doing whatever. Maybe I'll go back to bed. Then around 10am I watch back to back episodes of Frasier on Lifetime. If I'm feeling ambitious, i'll catch the back to back Golden Girls beforehand. But when it comes to Frasier, let me tell you, I LOVE this show. Great cast, great writing, great timing. Then by 11, I figure it's time to get up and out of the apt...how do manage to peel myself off the couch you ask? The minute the Will and Grace comes on, I pretty much want to throw my entire TV out the window...and don't even get me started on The Gilmore Girls.

So I just take that as my cue to head out for the day. Now what exactly I DO during this time varies, so I'm just gonna give you the quick breakdown so that you don't get too bored and continue to read: go for a run, convince my friends take hour lunches, window shop, run errands, read in the park, swim, check out a museum, hang out in bookstores, walk around the city. Um, yep. That's pretty much it. But I'm on a tight schedule here, because by that time, I've gotta be home for my afternoon appointment.


FYI: Back to back episodes on SOAPnet. Three to five pm, I am indisposed...watching my stories. Now I know you all were expecting an old school photo of the gang in high school. But right now, we are in the college years of Valerie Malone, the Peach Pit After Dark and the gals living at the beach.

Luckily by that time, I have gotten pretty good at having late afternoon/evening plans which often involve dinner and always involve drinking. Seriously, it's been a great time to catch up with people and really relax. I have and will continue to enjoy EVERY single free moment, especially since come the Monday after Thanksgiving, this lifestyle will cease to exist for me. Yes, folks it's true. I found a job and am now gainfully employed. Once again, I will not divulge my whereabouts b/t the hours of 9 to 5pm...or in this case 8 to 8pm possibly. I have a feeling this new job will be a little more time consuming and may even involve me carrying one of these:


Shudder...I know.

Okay, so that's the update here. I am heading BACK to STL once again to enjoy my last week of freedom, and hope to return and continue to regale you all with mindless, rambling, stream of consciousness style, stories of my oh so glamorous life here in New York city. Because, there are no TVs in the Midwest...according to some.

The post you've all been waiting for...

My Police concert recap!

Sorry this has taken almost a week. I couldn't find any good pictures, but finally got sent a link to some great ones. So here goes...

I wouldn't say I'm a "Police fan," but who doesn't know or recognize at least three or four of their songs?? And really, who doesn't know who Sting is?? For some reason, there is something totally fascinating about this guy. What can I say? He just exudes the cool vibe. Maybe it's because he used to be a teacher...


Maybe it's the tantric yoga


Maybe it's hypnotic refrain of Desert Rose


Or, maybe it's the fact that he shares a first name with another well known performer. Why would you ever change your name from Gordon anyway? But I must admit, it takes a certain kind of person to get away with changing your name to a verb. When Sting dies, will we refer to him as Stung?

Okay, once again I'm getting off topic. You want to read about the concert, I know.

Let's start with the opening act, which I believe was Sting's son's band. Here he is:


Remember, this was Halloween night, so EVERYONE was in costume!! Which brings me to my favorite part...


Andy Summers, AKA Charlie Chaplin...the dead zombie version I'm assuming.


Stewart Copeland as...um, okay I'm not entirely sure what the hell he was supposed to be. I think it was some kind of ancient Egyptian pharoh type of get up. Oh, and again, the dead zombie version. Honestly, all I could think was how much he bears a striking resemblance to Ted Danson. Oh that, and I love drummers. I fall for that trick where they throw the drumsticks in the air then suddenly have a new pair EVERY time!


Am I right?? So maybe Stewart went as a dead version of Ted Danson, who knows??

And of course, Mr. Gordon Summer himself:


as...the wacky court jester?? Okay, I get it. That makes sense. Does anyone else seem to remember court jesters having a codpiece as part of their get up in the days of yore?? Thanks CB for pointing that one out ;)

Point is, they ROCKED!!


The whole way through!!


it was pretty awesome, I must say.

Our seats were behind the stage, which was actually great as we got to see them live and close up on a giant screen from the front and Sting from behind. I finally came to realize why my friend is obsessed with him. Among other things, Sting has a really nice ass. Period. It's a fact. And of course, I have no picture!!! DAMN. I know, I'm such a tease.

Well, that's the recap. It was definitely worth the $$$. Even though the tickets were a gift...

Birthday...RECAP

So, yesterday was my birthday. I didn't post about it yesterday because

A) I didn't want it to seem like I was posting just so I could get a bunch of "Hey, Happy Birthday!" comments.
2) Nothing really that interesting happened until the end of the day.
And thirdly...it was my birthday, and I didn't really feel like it.

My birthday is on Halloween. I'm not really into Halloween. I mean, as a child, dressing up and getting loads of candy and the next day off of school (Catholic school, remember?) was great! But as an um, I guess, adult, I don't enjoy dressing up in silly looking costumes. You can't trick or treat anymore. I can buy candy whenever I want anyway. And I hate horror movies. So really what's the point?

Having said that, to be honest, I'm not really into my birthday either. I do love it. But I've never really been comfortable with the whole "let's celebrate ME!" concept, which is why it feels wierd throwing myself birthday parties. Plus, it's Halloween. Most people have other plans, and that's okay. But this year I decided to throw myself a little shindig. I mean, happy hour drinks at DIVE 75 is no big deal, right? I just figured I rent out the back half and invite everyone to showup whenever.

After all, this was my....27th birthday!! Um yeah...I know what you're thinking. "What the hell is the big deal about turning 27 anyway?? You know what? You're right. There is nothing special about 27. It's not "old," but I don't really feel super young anymore either. It's kind of like, meh, big deal. It's pretty much like turning 19...which is why I decided to throw the damn party and just call it my 6th annual 21rst birthday party.

So all was set for my low key, drinks and food at my favorite bar party until...I got a call from a friend of mine who I used to work with telling me that her present for me was a ticket to....



THE POLICE 2007 REUNION CONCERT!!!

Yes folks, they played LIVE (b/c there really is no other way for a band to play a concert) at Madison Square Garden last night, and it was a great time!! And I cannot WAIT to tell you all about it...um, maybe tomorrow. Look, I like to keep my posts relatively short, as I know you are all busy. I also want you to read, and end up wanting more! Plus, I also am still kind of tired from it, and I really want to find some pix which may take a few days. Only the best for you, so stay tuned!

Oh, and NOW you can wish me happy birthday.