NY Mini 10K..... here we come

So it's been over a year since I blogged. And for those of you that know me.... it's been quite the year. We welcomed into our hearts and lives my dear son - Nicholas Shae. Almost 8 months old and he is already a character. It is Shae that I blame for getting us into this whole 10K event. We just moved to Queens a few weeks ago and joined a local mums group to meet other mums and kidlets. One of the activities was to sign up to the NYRR 10k in June so I decided Why Not. The aim is to not only finish my first 10k but to raise money for a charity I have a lot of respect for - the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Society.

And the beauty of running with Team in Training and Moms in Training is that Shae gets to join me in my adventures! Indeed the team I am training with welcome Mums with bubs. It's certainly a site seeing all these awesome mums running with their kids in strollers. And the bonus for me.... I get to teach Shae the importance of a healthy lifestyle and committing to a cause - all while spending some real quality time with him. And who wouldn't love a brand new stroller (omg I had no idea there were so many jogging strollers out there..... fancy fancy.... but we decided on the BOB.... worth it!)

You can donate at: Our Fundraising Page

Ok so he certainly didn't appreciate the 9.30am Saturday start as evidenced by the following picture ....

But as soon as we started out on our first run the excitement set in and we were both loving it....

So this is the first week of our training and we have stuck to our training plan. It's going to be a tough 8 weeks but both of us are looking forward to it all - and sharing it with our followers.

Here we are ready to go.....

Time Warp?!?!

Ok so this is all going way too quickly. What happened to March and April?!?! I cannot believe it's the 1st May ... I'm behind with everything! Yet it hasn't been due to idle hands and idle time.

Since the last post I've managed to pack up my rock n' roll life in Manhattan and relocate it to "the sticks". Ok really I'm talking about Westchester County.... 20 miles north of the city. But in reality it feels like worlds apart. I now live in a town house, with a garden, an actual chandelier hanging and my own car spot. Being in the middle of nowhere (or more specifically not walking distance to any train) I even managed to get my license and buy a car). Yep all in the month of April. I'm not even going to get into the ridiculous bureaucracy I was exposed to trying to get a license despite driving for [cough cough] 19 years. All I shall say on that process for now is..... Damn those DMV ladies are bloody scary. Between bubs kicking me in the bladder every couple of minutes and the nerves I almost left a mess in the car.

So I'm going to skip over life in suburbia for now.... I'm in a grump about the fact I can never get anything done easily out there.... so will leave the discussion for when I can say something positive about it :)

Will give an update on The Little Dragon. Damn bubs is growing big. TLD moves around no end. I have to confess.... some days it completely freaks me out and I wait for an Alien like scene as it tries to claw it's way out. Gross I know.... but hey... there's this living baby moving around in there.... it is a little strange. :)

We've also started the countdown to our visit back home to Australia. Only 8 more days and it's bad airline food and compression socks for me (had to promise to wear them to get Dr's ok). I can not wait to see all my family and friends back home.... it will not be a long enough trip but I'll take what I can get!  And on that note.... time to get back to stuff. But a more lengthy update is imminent.

xoxo

Venturing into a Babies 'r Us....

Well to say it was an experience today is an understatement. Never in a million years would I have seen myself popping out at lunch and heading into a children's store to earnestly testing out strollers and car seats. I know for most of you that know me it is difficult to believe it happened and you all want footage to prove it. Sufficed to say I have the scars of being a first time stroller shopper - just ask me about it in person when you see me next and you will see.

I mean honestly... how many strollers does there really need to be stocked in a store? Are they trying to send first time mothers batty? Granted all mothers I've spoken to have said that I'll be needing at least a couple? What the?!?!? I only need 1 car to get around but a kid needs multiple rides?

Suspension, weight, durability, cup holders, key holders, storage, parasol attachments, side impact protection, durability, comfort padding, head supports, foot muffs!?!?! Seriously.... its like another world/language. And there's more accessories available for children than there are in Tiffany's. I miss the days where my biggest decision was 4.5 or 5 inch heels!

Didn't help I felt completely like a fish out of water. And that of course doesn't work for me at the best of times. I have only respect and admiration for my dear friend ED who took me out and then ever so patiently explained all I needed to know. Of particular amusement to onlookers.... me trying to reinsert the infant car seat into the base backwards (I couldn't even get it out to start with - ED had to show me that!). '

There was one part of the experience where I didn't feel completely stupid ..... fabric choice! Italian and in the color black of course! Peg Perago..... you are my hero in child seat/stroller manufacturers. I can see it now.... my new Burberry diaper back hanging off the back, not near enough storage room to be practical and of course not being able to actually remove the seat from the stroller or fold it up.... but at least the Little Dragon and I will be fashionable as we ram all those New Yorkers out of the way!

The Daily Bouts of Terror & What's with all the Judgements?

When I used to hear people (specifically child raising people) go on about their children, and how it felt to be pregnant, give birth and raise your child I always felt they were a bunch of snooty smug parents who never seemed to want to talk about anything else. OMG.... took all of 1 ultrasound for the disease to catch on. Now it's all about "the baby"! I am sure I had a life, interests and even an ability to have a conversation that didn't involve talking about children, raising children, shopping for children's stuff, disciplining children. I need to be saved! :)

The other thing I'm noticing an awful lot of..... the judgements! Why do complete strangers feel they can tell you you're being a bad mother, or telling you you're doing things way wrong. It's insulting as they are basically implying you are out to hurt your child. I love it when you're in spin class and get all the dirty looks... although that could be because bubs and me are kicking butt! :-)  Oh and special shout out to the guy who asked me if I was pregnant because I was looking like I was gaining weight. Classy!

I'll be interested to see what happens the first time some stranger goes to touch the stomach uninvited.... of course they won't know that I've boxed my way down 60lbs. :-)

Has it really been over a year??!!!??!!!

Well it's been actually over a year since my last blog entry. So much for that list of resolutions being met (ok so I met 1 of them... that's something at least).  Actually looking at the list it's been more than 1..... but I definitely haven't been able to blog more. Always seems to be so many priorities that take precedence over writing.

Anyway it's 1 year later and time to get that list updated. Here's what I don't think I got to.... I definitely haven't blogged.... I don't work any less (actually I work more than ever). I don't buy less shoes but I do drink less (primarily that's because of the bun in the oven.... we'll come back to that). I did get fit.... and the minute I was 2 pounds from my years goal I found out I was pregnant. Great timing.... at least I know I can drop the weight afterwards. :)

So you read correctly.... in case you've been on another planet and haven't seen the Facebook posts or heard along the Queanbeyan gossip mill... I indeed will be popping out a rug rat a little later this year. Shocked yes but super excited now (when I'm not having complete meltdowns about being a crap parent).

What an adjustment. As someone who despises being around bratty, screaming, snotty children.... it's been an adjustment thinking about having my own. Of course I'm completely deluding myself into thinking bubs is going to come out perfect, sleep all night, never cry, miraculously never poops or throws up.  Hey.... let me dream will you! So this blog (assuming I actually update it going forward) will start to document my fall from pretentious childless New Yorker to likely one of those obnoxious pretentious stroller pushing New Yorker mom. I've dodged enough of those double sized bug-a-boos enough in the last 7 years..... don't think I won't be paying all you parent back when I get my bug-a-boo delivered!!!

xoxo

She's Backkkk!!!!!

Cannot believe it has been +3 years since I last blogged. I blame the combination of having a crazy busy life in NYC these past 3 year with a surge in popularity of social networking (facebook/twitter). Hey I aint complaining..... living the rock and roll lifestyle has been an absolute blast!!! But this new year has brought some significant changes and as a result I find myself living a much more reserved existence plus who wants to limit themselves to 140 characters? I'm not that good at shutting up. :-)

So with the new year has come a list of new years resolutions. Most of which I have actually stuck to, some I need some significant improvement on. So here goes [keep in mind these are a work in progress]:

• Get fit: that means no more.... yummy NYC take out [Harrys pizza I will miss you] and lots more sore muscles and visit to the gym. Oh and here's to finishing my first 5K run sometime in about..... 7 weeks. But I'm off to a fab start. Just started week 3 of my new food regime and workouts. Here's to many more lost lbs hopefully never to be seen again. I tell you what though - this is only achievable if you have the support of your family and friends and a b'friend that is a fitness guru - which I so do! Thanks all!!! :-)
• Buy less shoes: I know - you all doubt this can be done - hey I doubt it too. I shall prove us all wrong! Although that said I've bought 3 pairs since January 1 (if you don't count flops - if you do count flops then 4). Definitely less than usual but I need to set a firmer goal here. Trying to get to April without another purchase.
• Buy less everything: I have no space left..... new rule: If something is bought it's only as a result of something leaving this apartment. That is after I receive all of the package I ordered and have yet to be delivered. ;-)
• Be happier: I think this resolution sounds misleading as it suggests I may not be that happy to start with. au contraire ... I've been blessed with a charmed life. But I just don't think I appreciate the full value of everything I have. Anyway any suggestions on good reads that may help to achieve a better awareness of what makes us happy and impediments to that - happy to hear them!
• Fear less: I wont be bungy jumping anytime soon but I will succeed in being less petrified to move for fear of injuring that damn ankle (or shoulder) again. I've started running. Does that count?
• Stress less: I often feel this is in my DNA but we've got to work on that. Ties in to being happier I think.
• Drink less: Ok for all you doubters.... this can be accomplished! It's surprised me just how sceptical people have been when they hear I am doing this. Shame on you..... bad form [you know who you are]. 2 weeks and 1 day on the wagon!
• Drink More: Water that is..... the fuel of the body. And yes I finally acknowledge (thanks J) that tea does not count.... even herbal tea. If you've spent any time around me lately you'll hear every 2hrs my iphone making this insane water sound. In theory it's supposed to remind me to drink more.... reality has me running to the restroom every time I hear it. That said at least I'm more aware of not drinking enough. If you're interested try out WaterLogged from the apple app store. Great app that tracks your intake!
• Work less: I hear it's possible to achieve this.... I aint so convinced. :-) Thankfully all these storms has prevented me from going to the office every day which is a step in the right direction.
• Be more unique: Maybe this ties into Fear Less..... there's nothing interesting about joining the pack so I've added this to the list to remind me of that. I'd like to think I'm a least a little unique.... but more can be done me thinks.
• Take more mini breaks: Ok so I just threw this in here to make sure I do not slack off on taking vacations. Got my first one planned for mid february. Philly here I come.
• Blog more: This I think is also going to be one of the more difficult ones..... It's been too long since I bothered to write anything more than a status update or a tweet. But it's time to find some creativity again. In a city like NYC it is inexcusable not to be inspired and to find your creative edge. Well adding 1 blog entry is a start..... many more to come I hope.

So that's the framework I hope to live this year within. I'll check in from time to time on where I'm at but I plan to use what time I set aside for blogging for much more than a resolutions update. Hopefully a more interesting read. :-)

xoxo

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas (unless you count publishing it on the web as private)

So back to Vegas. Of course of all hotels for me to be booked into - I am at "party central" - otherwise known as the Celeb hangout The Palms. And even better my floor appears to have been hosting a group of young semi-pro footballers who spent the better part of my trip screaming outside the door, slamming their doors, drinking and playing some fairly crap music.

Let's just say they gave the definition of partying in Vegas a new meaning to me (and it's not like I don't go out). My fav moment in the hotel was a lift ride with about 10 of the guys. That was fun. Let's see.... not sure if it was the groping, the offers to have me share their drinks (they were pink!??!!), the guy about to puke or the fact that I was crammed in the middle of the 10 of them in what was really a 5 person lift.... but didn't I feel lucky! Anyway good thing I was out to the wee hours every night and didn't get a chance to sleep more than an hour or so each night which meant I missed most of the loud happenings on my floor.

First night I went to see . Wow! It was amazing. I got front row seats and they were worth every cent.

So highlights of the trip:

• Freaking out at the Cirque Du Soleil show - 'O' when a clown stood in front of me and squirted me with his water bottle then bonked me on the head with a feather duster (ok so clowns scare me). Show was fab though - front row seats!!!! Thankfully the clowns were not a big part and never got that close again.
• crashing a couple of parties which meant free drinks and interesting crowd)
  
• sweet talking out way into the Voodoo bar and scoring passes to Ghostbar
• finding a super hot (and discounted) bag/shoes at the Venetian
• Leaving Las Vegas and coming home.

Anyway here's a friend and I at Voodoo bar on top of the Rio (that's the Strip in the background). You can see some other pics by clicking here!

Viva Las Vegas (and the Cape)... Part 1

So it's that time of year again where I venture to our national gathering of business folks (refer to previous posts). This year the venue is Las Vegas. I know.... tough life for this chicky (although +110F [40C] days isn't exactly a comfortable environment for most).

Anyway so I started at a ridiculous 5am last Sunday morning.

I've been up at Cape Cod - a small town called Harwich Port. A friend and her family were up there for Summer break and her family has property up there. Back tracking a bit I leave home Friday morning for the Cape. I barely make it out the door before my rather heavy suitcase containing pressies, a weeks worth of clothes, my laptop and 5 pairs of shoes (you never know what pair you will need) takes me for a tumble down my stairs. In right clumsy form I go surfing down them like on a board (otherwise known as my havaianas) and only stopped thanks to the suitcase jamming between the rungs and the wall and stopping me from continuing.

Anyway there starts my journey. 1.5hour train to New Haven Connecticut, run (with the suitcase I am still mad at) to the next train, another 1.5 hr train ride to Springfield, Massachusetts [**it does not go without notice that the Simpson movie was opening in the US the same day - gives me a tad of a chuckle everytime I thought about it].

So you'd think after 4.5 hrs I'd be close given we are only speaking about the same region. No such luck. Well I get picked up by the lovely sister of my friend who lives in Springfield (I'm still chuckling now... I am such a child). So there starts our 3.5hr drive to Harwich Port. Between getting to know Mary-Ann, discussions with her angels and my work phone ringing every few minutes even though I'm supposed to be on vacation, my vaca day is off to a flying (literally) day.

Cape Cod is a quaint coastal area and really lovely. The beaches are nothing like Aus but still nice to be hanging out near the water. Many thanks to Suzie and her family for their hospitality. Oh and extra thanks to Miss Jenny who is turning out to be among many things a great cook (thanks for the recipe - I may actually make it some time) and for keeping me company as we shopped in town and snuck peanut butter fudge.

Too Cool For School

You know you're getting too old when you go to a bar or pub and leave because it's too loud. Even if they are playing Robert Palmer and other 80's/90's music one is way too familiar with. Which is exactly what happened to us the other night (that or the freaky Harry Potter fans scared us off). Anyway so the girls and I are out on the town (check out the pics here) and decide to go to what is labeled a rather "cool" club in NY. We rock up to 2 rather long queues and a number of people milling in the street. I've been of the fundamental belief for some time now that anywhere I have to queue to get in is probably way too cool for me. That said it was with much pleasure that we skipped the line and went pretty much straight in (hey who doesn't like to feel somewhat important).

So feeling uber-cool we walk in only to find ourselves in a room full of what appeared to be 20/21yo trust fund kids. Anyway snaps to my friends who always seem to know how to make the most of a .... well in this case sad.... situation. A drink or 2 and a bit of a boogie (oh and the entertainment created when a 21yo uni student hit on me) made the night far from boring. Have to say given the debacle called my dating life I actually considered it for a millisecond ..... but she was only 21 and that's almost illegal at my age.

The 30's might be the new 20's but I think it's time for me to admit..... I'm just not a kid anymore.... and I aint in kansas either I guess.

Back in the Game

I know, it's been forever since I updated this thing. Anyway today's topic is Sex and the City. Ordinarily I shy away from documenting my dating life on my blog (partly because I suspect my mom actually reads this and secondly who wants to document their dating disasters?) Anyways since breaking up with the Cop I have to admit I took myself "off the market". It was some "encouragement" from my friends (ok they called me chicken) that got me to get back in the game. And oh aren't I lucky. Let's see.... in the 3 weeks I decided to date again I have been hit on by everyone from a 24 yo 6'5 Kid, a 44 yo creepy writer (told me he was 34 - not sure who he thought he was kidding) and 21 yo female uni student (yep you read correctly).

Date 1: The Healer
I label this one date 1 when really its actually date 2 (he saved all the freakiness to the 2nd date). Enter "the Healer" as I like to refer to him ("the freak" is too overused in my life). Anyway so I hurt my ankle recently and once again sprained it. Supposed to meet up with the Healer for a drink. He picks a very nice bar being one of my fav bars in NY. It's a lovely, old fashioned, Gatsby inspired bar. Jump ahead I end up being a little early, and sip my $15 glass of wine (nope - not one of those cheap places_. In walks the Healer... first thing he does is drop to the floor and starts humming and doing weird hand actions near my ankle. Despite my many hisses of "get up!" he continues doing his strange healing meditation. Of course not the usual event at this bar so we quickly have an audience of.... everyone!

I should have been suspicious of someone who doesn't drink (odd!!!). Date got progressively worse with requests by him of massages and hugs/kidded (yuck!). Is it too much to ask for some class and sophistication when having a drink?

Between his inappropriate behaviour and the fact he lied and deducted 10 years off his age.... sufficed to say I will NOT be seeing the guy again.

HouseMates....

Ok - so I DO NOT like living with strangers I've decided. I didn't realise that my flatmate (who I barely know) had her boyfriend stay over.... so in the middle of the night I decide I need to get a drink.... open the door 1/2 dressed only to run into (literally) this guy. Bring on the 28th when she is officially out!

The thing is - I blame the guy.... you need warning on this type of thing.
So it will be really interesting when C goes back to London in Oct and her friend moves in..... I have already encouraged C to inform the poor guy that I may sometimes forget that I have a housemate and that there may be times that I forget I do not live alone or with a girlfriend..... I guess I will [as suggested by a friend] invest in a robe. ;-)

Bugger!

I have to leave Manhattan again on a work trip. Unfortunately I've used up all my "get out of jail free" cards so this one is a must. Wish me all luck. Broomfield, Colorado here I come.

Week of Cold Hard Truths.... who said you have to be cruel to be kind?

So the interns I have been "supervising*" over the summer ended their internship last week. Reason this is relevant ..... their thank-you gift was among other things a mug that reads:

"The Leading Lady:
...is Diva-Licious!
...has many adoring fans.
...is no stranger to drama.
...is all that and more!"

This has certainly been a week for hard truths. I guess they were trying to tell me something.... and thanks to all my work-mates that have seen the cup and burst out in laughter at the fact It's so obvious (massive and bright pink/purple).... while nodding your heads as if in agreement??!!?? Great support! Over the past week I have called "intimidating", "direct", that I have an "attitude problem", "a diva", "a drama queen", "pessimist", "cynic" and "stubborn". What's next? .... "Heinous Bitch"? [***Anyone that disagrees feel free to let me know..... my ego is taking a pounding this week.]

Directness is a part of the culture of NYC... it's what makes this city run. I think it's hilarious though. You would think that I would thrive in this environment but it makes me want to

* A "Sun" term..... which means you are effectively managing staff without getting the kudos, title or additional pay.

The SandMan

It's fairly common knowledge these days (probably thanks to my griping about it) that I have been suffering from insomnia for the past..... well I worked out about 18 months, 5 days and ..... 3 hrs - but then who's counting. Even references in my blog to "sleeping" means I got around 4-5hrs (rather than the usual 3-4).

So for all of my dear friends and family that are:
(a) sick and tired of hearing about my lack of sleep;
(b) who I encourage to stay out until extraordinary hours to keep me company;
(c) have to tolerate me in the morning prior to getting my caffeine fix;
(d) who are over hearing me rant about my anti-sleeping pills stance;
(e) Who receive texts/emails/calls from me at ungodly hours because I am bored .....
you will all be very pleased to know that I am doing something about it. What exactly I don't know - and whether it will work remains to be seen. But bring on a decent nights sleep..... it is so needed at the moment.

Which begs the question.... if one only sleeps a couple of hours of disrupted sleep a night.... which means you never get into REM sleep.... then are those "dreams" actually hallucinations? :-) I guess it's a cheap alternative to conscious altering drugs.

Wall Street..... The Sequel

Ok - so maybe the heading is a bit of a misrepresentation - there will be no inclusion of a trading floor, Charlie Sheen or Gordon Gecko in the following blog.... but you never know.... it's only been a week and a bit.

So I have moved into the new place..... and I miss! miss! miss! the UWS. As all my NYC friends like to so thoughtfully commented (note AFTER we agree to sub-let) Wall St is definitely a quiet part of town after hours (the days are filled with people. We couldn't have moved down there at a worse time.... Sept 11 is coming up so there is a LOT of construction going on.... which starts before the sun comes up and continues ALL weekend. The commute to work is better though - 1 subway line - 3 stops on the express. Except on the weekends when they decide to change all the rules .... and not put up any signs (and of course the announcements on the actual subway are usually intelligible unless it's one of the new cars with the clear recordings). I ended up 1/2 way across Brooklyn the other day when they decided to make the local line an express (and not tell anyone).

Fortunately the girl that is currently still living in the apt has been staying with her folks in PA so I've had the place to myself. Looking forward to Claire moving in...... 2 bedroom apts are lonely I've decided.

The Adventures of Wonder Women (Marial) and She-Ra (Me)

It was pointed out to me the other day (refer to Blog Entry [Week of Cold Hard Truths.... who said you have to be cruel to be kind?]) that my life is reminiscent of a TV Sitcom. I don't necessarily agree however I guess it's more entertaining watching things happen to other people than going through the ordeal yourself. Life lived vicariously through others (hell I do it....... everyday when I think about my little sis Kat living and working in the tropics.... or my buddy living the life in cosmopolitan Melbourne) helps get us through the mundane.

Anyway's there's a point to all of this.... which is to retell how C and I got ourselves into yet another situation the other day. So we spend our Sunday shopping along Madison and at Bloomies (aka Bloomingdales). We decide after many hours walking that we couldn't be stuffed catching the bus back to the UWS so we grab a cab - however as the cabbie is about to turn into Central Park we notice this guy chasing another guy on a bike - catches up with him.... pulls him off and then starts beating him with a metal bar... all while 20+ people stand around watching (and doing nothing)! So before we even have time to think C and I are out of the cab (we even remember to grab our MANY shopping bags and attempt to break up the fight (while still holding our shopping) as this poor guy is being beaten to a pulp with the bar. As soon as things calmed a little and the guys had stopped fighting we jumped back in the cab and was promptly reprimanded by the cabbie and everyone else that we were silly enough to tell the story to (and before you feel inclined to write a comment ..... I have already been reminded that yes we may have "been shot", "stabbed", "hurt" or combination thereof).

Of note.... the 20+ people failed to .... during that whole time..... move a muscle.
What has this world come to? It's ok to stand around and watch people get beaten and not even bother to pick up a phone and call 911?

FireIsland

C and I headed out to Kismet Beach recently. I love going out there. It's a small residential community on FireIsland (off Long Island). To get there it takes us a couple of hours and involves the NY Subway, Long Island Rail Road, Shuttle Bus, Ferry and then walk to the beach.

The community does not allow cars so it's just unreal - very peaceful. The beach is great - at least as great as a beach in this area can be (nothing like back home though). There's this area for nudists which suits us fine as it's not near as busy as the other parts. But explain this to me (and no offence to the nudists out there) - why must you all be old crusty men with awful bodies. Seriously.... we don't need to see that.

Anyways I enjoy going because the people are cool and it's a great day out of NYC (even if it does take us 2+ hours to get there). We basically spent the time alternating between the beach and the bar [shock horror]. It's very much a small community and we're starting to get to know the people that work and/or live there. They are friendly considering their proximity to NYC :-) We kind of stand out a little.... in our NY gear (apparently noone wears heels [technically they are sandals] or black) . ;-)

Highlight this trip though....... when I freaked out at the reindeer wandering on the beach while I was up in the lifeguard chair (dont ask) after dark. What community allows a massive reindeer to wander around without putting up a sign!!???!!!

Many thanks to the guys that offered to put us up that night rather than go back to NYC on the last ferry. In hindsight we should have taken up one of the offers instead of venture back to NYC that night (we didn't get back until around 2am) and have to sit next to the most obnoxious drunk American I've had the displeasure of meeting and not being able to run away from (we were on a shuttle bus).

Lesson learnt when considering leaving Manhattan.... Don't

As many of you know - my lease has come up for renewal and thanks to the hefty increase in rent (ridiculous) I was to move in with a friend of mine temporarily. And then eventually find an apartment together. You also know what they say about best laid plans. So now with me having to leave the apartment by the 14th and C at the end of Aug....... we are in a bind. Finding a decent apartment in NYC within 2 weeks?

How was I to know that the holy grail would be the quest my friend and I found ourselves on this week? You'd think given the city that the quest would be simple. Clean, 2 bedroom apartment in decent area of Manhattan..... not too expensive, not too small, short term lease.

What can I say about apartment hunting in NYC? After going through the experience twice in the last year - I have to say that I am hard pressed to think of worse ways to spend my time (ok maybe attending a Manolo sale without my credit card).

NYC moves at the speed of lightning for everything. Including apartments for rent. Apt's disappear faster than free beers at the pub. And those are the crap apartments. Apartments smaller than most people's bathrooms in Aus and where you'd go through at least 2 bottles of antibacterial cleanser just to get through the door. In the words of my friend "they are all muck!"

So we have desperately been scrambling.... including actually considering New Jersey, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. Am not kidding.... so serious - we trekked all the way up to South Bronx to check out a "fabulous 1400sq ft apartment" in an "up and coming area". Hmmmm After it took us close to an hour to get to SoBro (the new name for South Bronx) which meant passing through Harlem in order to change subways, we made it to a rainy and "not so up and coming" area. After walking a mile to the apartment (pass a number of project buildings) we made it to what was certainly a 1400sq ft apartment - however what he omitted to tell us was that there was so much junk that there was no room for either C, me or either of our shoe collections. The fact that there was a "police precinct" around the corner that was stated as a positive to living there and McDonalds and KFC were actual "restaurants" we might want to consider dining at.... pretty much helped us decide we were not quite ready to leave Manhattan. I will not be leaving Manhattan for quite a while to come thanks to this experience. And yep D ..... that includes any pub crawl in Brooklyn.

Anyway not all is lost... we finally found a great 2 bedroom down near Wall Street. Should (hopefully) be signing the sublease this week with move in on Fri. It's got partial river views, a kickass rooftop area, games room with massive plasma and pool table which should keep us out of trouble. Ok so the high population of yuppies is a bit of a downer..... but who can complain when we're a short walk to the subway and to the east river/battery park. Will at least keep us covered until the end of the year.

Another Junket.... another glimpse into pig like behaviour

This entry is going to be short..... and probably not that sweet.

So I was once again required to attend our national sales meeting last week. This time we were told it would be in Orlando. But to me that was such a lie. Walt Disney World Resort may be in Orlando but it's nothing like a city. It's by far the cheesiest place in the world that I have ever visited (as compared with Vegas which is the tackiest - there is a difference). I shouldn't really complain - only had to spend 1 night and it was in a massive suite at the Hilton (thank god for being Hilton gold card member).

I was once again subjected to the most inappropriate, lewd behaviour of many a sales person. Thanks to finance and a couple of my friends who made the 2 days bearable and redeemed (somewhat) my view on men and the way they behave in public and when intoxicated.

So happy to be back in NYC. :-)

Hola - Playa Del Carmen

So I've just gotten back from 7 wonderful days in Playa del Carmen - Mexico. Marial and I decided to head down there - to celebrate our respective b'days and to get out of NYC (one needs to do that now and then).

Apparently I am not currently one with nature (damn mozzies), children (damn kids hitting you on the head while deep in sleep on the plane) or co-ordination (it's hard to tell if I am tanned or just really really bruised). Anyway that said I have discovered during the past 7 days I am certainly one and very balanced handing around the beach or sipping bloody marys poolside (and before any of you say it - partaking does not balancing make)!

With the primary aim of the week to be to return to NYC tanned (without tan lines - hooray for the less conservative Mexico) and relaxed for the new year ahead - it will probably come as not surprise to most that initial plans to go snorkeling, wind surfing, canoeing, and visiting the ruins in Tullum etc were trumped by treks to the beach, bar and/or dining room and watching the world cup finals (yep even in Playacar we managed to find a sports bar). Oh and yep - definitely achieved our goals for the week.

Of course there were some guilt filled moments which required a daily (or attempted daily) trip to the gym or walk to Playa del Carmen (30 minutes in extreme heat) to alleviate. But overall days were spent baking in the sun, swimming in the ocean or ....... oh baking in the sun.

Speaking of World Cup - Yay to Italy for winning. It was bitter sweet (could have been us Aussies at that final!) but that's soccer. In fact I have developed a strong belief that if you watch and understand football - that you have the whole meaning of life.... but that is for another blog entry. Anyways was great for Italy to win if only to get the many english gits supporting France (in the bar we were at).

Anyways back to NYC and the bustle of the city. Am already planning my next trip to the beach (next weekend - Fire Island!)

You can see pics of the trip HERE!!!!

"30" is the new "20".....

Or so everyone keeps telling me. I've also been told many a times (and most eloquently put by my baby sister) to "build a bridge and get over it".

For those of you that have yet to see the FANTASTIC pressie my sister sent me - you can see it at CLICK HERE

Anyway I'm leaving this entry short. For a number of reasons - am too tired to debate the whole - "30 is the new 20". If 30 was the new 20 then 30 would simply be 29+1. Plus am too relaxed from my trip to Playa del Carmen to build anything. ;-)

I am trying to embrace the whole being 30 - and 2 weeks of celebrating was a good start to the decade. Time will only tell if 30's really are better than one's 20's.

It's a small world after all.....

Spent this evening at an Australian movie "premier". The movie - The Bet. The host - spunky Aden Young (although there's no explaining that accent - Canadian and Australian merged - but then again he is spunky so we can forgive that).

Was so nice to spend an evening watching a movie with aussie colloquialisms, views of Sydney and Sydney harbour, a healthy dose of political incorrectness and an ending that actually reflected a somewhat real scenario. I went along with a buddy from NYC - which made me appreciate just how much I have been missing those "inside jokes".

I've found that I've been here just long enough to now appreciate another level of american movies - for example derogatory references to mapquest finally make sense (you appreciate fairly quickly after the first time you use the site for directions - how you should have just used Yahoo maps).

Anyway back to The Bet...... another realisation that hit me tonight is exactly how small this world is. And that despite the millions of people living on this tiny island - also known as Manhattan - you still can run into some person you knew way back when.

Verdict:
1. Definitely an Aussie film worth watching..... it's Wall Street meets The Secret Life of Us.
2. Aussies definitely get around. No matter where you go in the world.... there's a fairly good chance you'll bump into an aussie you knew at sometime..... so be on your best behaviour
3. Aussie wine is definitely world class (ok so I admit there were drinks after the movie - Aussie drinks more precisely)

PS Speaking of films if you have not as yet seen Thank You for Smoking - go see it. Definitely a film for those of you that can see the funny side of political incorrectness.

Bonsoir from The Dam and Gay (aka Rainy) Paris

This entry is going to be short and ..... well short.

So I finally get a week off work to travel around some of Europe and enjoy some of the old countries - and what happens..... I get ill. Sick as. The whole time. Combined with the week long of rain I do not think that it fair to make too many comments about this trip. I think my perceptions of the countries visited (especially Paris) are marred by the fact I was so out of it.

A couple of observations I will note though:
* Kez - you are a particularly patient person ...... thanks for being so understanding of my lack of energy and need to sleep many many more hours than normal for any person. Also - many thanks for tolerating those middle of the night work calls! For those people that called - I have one URL for you: www.timeanddate.com. Seriously - it really is very simple. Just enter in where you are calling from - and where you are calling to. And voila! The site takes care of the rest.

* There are only 2 words you need to know in French and 1 in Dutch to survive any trip to Paris/Amsterdam. I'll give you a hint. "Pardon" works a treat. As too "Merci".
* The french really are as arrogant and unpleasant as their reputation suggests. Even the great shopping and chic style of the clothing/shoes does not make up for it (and yes before you ask I did manage to add to both my shoe collection and black top collection..... even in my zombie like state).
* The reek of both countries far surpasses the unpleasant smells in NYC. I had no idea it could be even close to that bad.
* The really do sell $5 bottles of wine in Paris. And it's not half bad. Unlike you Europe aficionados, I didn't realise it would cost more to buy a bottle of water than a bottle of wine. That was almost enough to redeem my view of Paris ..... but not quite enough.

My next couple of trips to Europe have a lot riding on them...... Europe has some major redeeming to do!

Letter of Apology

Dear Miss You Know Who You Are....

I feel I owe you a big apology - that I have failed you in some way. But in an effort to redeem myself let me memorialise the 3 golden rules of ordering a rum and coke.

1. A must - if the drink that is handed to you is not a dark - somewhat coke colour - then hand it back. Chances are - it's not a coke and rum.

2. Rum and soda does not a rum and coke make. You can usually tell that it is not a rum and coke by the fact the colour is..... well clear instead of the brown colour of coke. Refer to remedy listed in bullet 1. above.

3. And while one may think it goes without saying - a wedge of lime is the icing on the cake.

Hope this helps for future reference.

Luv
Vee

PS You are banned from ordering drinks in future - it's a safety measure in case the rules are forgotten.

Flatmates and Cosmos

So. It has been a long long long while since I last took the time to create a new blog entry. Apologies to the loyal followers. I am still with us all.

Many reasons for this..... the only one relevant is that I have been slack. Too many things going on and not enough time to focus on keeping in touch.

Lots has happened but most has been NYC LAU (Life as Usual). These past few weeks I have had a house guest. Kez (a buddy of mine for the majority of my existence) is staying with me for all of March. For those of you that know me having a flatmate is new. But I have been having fun and enjoying the company.

That said.... late nights, early starts, painful work clients and entertainment galore has made for a very yawny me. It's a good life for some though (ie Kez - snoozing as I leave for the office each morning).

Having a flatmate is definitely new for me. But I could get used to it very quickly. Coming home to someone cooking you a yummy dinner. Yep you read correctly. My kitchen has been deflowered. Hope it doesn't get used to it. I suspect I will not be continuing the trend. The funniest moments are when I get questions like....
-Kez: "Where's the oil?"
-Vee: "Oil? Ummm......do you absolutely need oil?.....Ummmm..... vodka wont work?"

Kez's efforts do not go unrewarded though (I am my mother's daughter after all). Kez is currently my "Vee's Cosmo" guinea pig. I've been experimenting and of course need a taste tester. She didn't put up too much of a fight though. Mrs M - I apologise in advance if I am bad influence on Kerry. It's really the fault of the city.

Thankyou and Forgive Me for becoming desensitised in this soulless country.

I have a MASSIVE thankyou to shell out. To my dear friend Miss Evie!!!! Thankyou so much for hitting me over the head with that reality mallet. I cannot believe that I made “that” statement to you on the phone without realising the absurdity of it all (we’ll keep the specifics between you and I).

That was absolutely awesome of you to point out I had – for a brief moment – forgotten that first and foremost I am an aussie.

Suffice to say through – to you all my readers – if I make another “Americanism” out loud to you then you are perfectly entitled to hit me with the same reality mallet that Miss Evie did. I’m sure she will not mind sharing it with you all.

For those of you asking – what exactly is an “Americanism” well its that action/statement/reaction/comment etc etc that back in Australia would lead you to being stoned – or at least kicked out of the country for it’s ridiculousness).

The Story of Samson [aka The Dog/The Mutt]

Anyway so where does one start? I’ll work backwards as we just came out of Thanksgiving break. This is a holiday that is more widely celebrated and enjoyed by more Americans than Xmas. It is seen as the family event of the year. Based on historical events rather than religion. Celebrating the Mayfair (a ship) landing at Plymouth rock.

I was ill so turned down any offers for thanksgiving dinner and spent the day dozing on the lounge. I did make it up to the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade. At least for the first hour. It’s actually quite an impressive display of floats. I’ve posted pics at CLICK HERE. I did not take the pics as I was too ill to actually remember my camera.

So what’s new? Well for those of you that do not know I adopted a dog (on a trial basis – It’s the only way I can cope with it). He’s camera shy but there are pics HERE.

His name is…… [refer to blog Nameing the Puppy[ well usually he’s referred to as Dog or The Mutt. But he’s registered as Samson. I’m thinking of renaming him Odie – yes as in the dog from Garfield. He is that loveable and that dumb.

He’s a chow chow mix which means there is often a battle of wills. But for those of you that know me – I have been winning and have established myself as the Pack Leader.

He is really well natured but for those of you that know me it has been a major readjustment to my lifestyle. On the plus side my place is the cleanest it has ever been. I clean after him incessantly. Where in the past my OCD has laid dormant (and before you say it – the rug fringe was an exception) it has now come out in full force.

The first day was definitely a trial. A friend of mine was nice enough to drive me the 1.5 hours to the animal shelter. Day was off to a good start. Weather was lovely, no hangover this time so the drive pleasant. So we pick up the Dog and make it 45 minutes before he throws up. I’m calling for Kelvin to stop the car – the dog is looking green – and all we get from Kelvin is a …. It’s fine it’s fine – as we are both turning green from the smell. After a rather amazing U-Turn across about 10 lanes of traffic (I am so glad that between the 2 of us our accents would have gotten us out of any driving ticket) we pull over (coincidently at Woodbury Shopping Outlets). Kelvin is trying to clean up the doggie spew while I am laughing hysterically (more at K almost joining Samson in the upchuck event). Anyway K goes off to do his Xmas shopping and I hang out taking work calls and trying to calm the poor dog down.

Finally we are off on the road again after cleaning the car and calming the dog (and of course some shopping). And it takes less than 20 minutes for the Dog to again throw up only this time there is no stopping and only erratic driving….. and poor Dog continues with the throwing up until we get to my place. We clean up the car (bearing in mind it’s a rental) I promptly walk the Dog upstairs and what is the first thing he does? Walks over to my rug and pees all over the place. Nice. My poor oriental rug. So I then spend the remainder of the evening cleaning the rug – and regretting the whole decision to adopt the Mutt.

Well things have settled down considerably. Samson now sleeps in his bed, is banned from the rug, is housetrained – and with the exception of waking me up at around 5.30-6am every morning wanting to go outside – we are getting on much better. He’s clingy but friendly with everyone. And I tell you – ever short of a date – get a dog. He’s very popular out when walking.

Where oh where has the Little One gone?

Apologies for the lack of entries and pics lately. I feel like nothing has happened although we all know that is not true. This is the city that never sleeps and I too have caught the bug and am always switched on.

Between visitors (was lovely to have you visit Miss Melly), Halloween PICS HERE, concerts (Alanis rocks), nights out, dramas at work, nights in, thanksgiving, the flu, adopting a dog, getting ill over adopting a dog, talking myself into taking back the dog, talking myself out of taking back the dog, and now the holiday season (holiday lunches, dinners and even breakfasts) there has been little time to scratch.

Wow if there’s a city on this earth that knows how to celebrate Xmas by way of fairy lights – it is NYC. And yes even I am getting into the Xmas spirit (or rather “holiday” spirit – god forbid I offend anyone) if you can believe that. While it is unconfirmed I may or may not have been seen measuring my apartment to determine how big a tree I can fit in here.

My how we quickly change.

Introducing The Hybrids

So the one thing that you notice about NYC and New Yorkers (imported or native) is that the majority are serial daters. Monogamy is dead, Relationships are dead and most of all Romance is dead. It’s all about playing the field, playing the game and certainly not playing for keeps.

Then you meet the “I’m not a serial dater” which really translates to “I’m either too [insert bored/uninclined/lazy/over] to date a number of people”. But at the same time these non-serial daters (let’s rename them “The Hybrids”) have either an inability or lack of desire to be in a committed relationship. Hence “The Hybrids”. Not a relationship yet not a casual partner. Somewhere in between.

These individuals are creating a new genre of relationship. And unfortunately it is too new and untested to understand how it works or the rules. But I tell you – this new hybrid is advantageous to the party that doesn’t want or can’t commit to a long term relationship with someone. They do not need to invest themselves emotionally but get all the conveniences you get when in a relationship.

My prediction – this is going to catch on. It’s almost perfect for the commitment-phobes and players amongst us. It’s going to take a stronghold in the dating world in NYC (to the extent it hasn’t already) and it’s going to spread to the rest of western society.

Lifestyles of the (not so) rich (Me) and the Famous (Yummy Liam)

So the past week has been - well lets just say long live the weekend!!! I've been involved in a "negotiation" (if you could call it that) where the idiocy of the people on the other side has gotten me to the point where I am close to going off each and every time they speak. This is their approach:
Customer: "We're not agreeing to change that clause. It stays as it is"
Me: "But the word is mispelt. It's "there" not "their" - we're not talking about people.
Customer: "The clause stays as it is"
Me: "But it doesn't make sense"
Customer: "The clause..... " and so it goes.

Anyway it was that painful that I ended up skipping out in the afternoon on Friday to join K and Dee (with daughter) at the annual Rubber Duckie race. Yes you read that correctly. But what you will love even more..... is that K and I got stuck looking after a friends stroller. So there I was with another friend of mine, with stroller in front, beers in our hands, looking at what we though was the start of the race (ended up being the finish line) and who should walk past, but someone from the very office I had left early. What the? How small is NYC?

So no doubt the stories going around the office on Monday will be I am married to K and we have a child but we were more interested in having a drink than watch our child - who was nowhere in sight.

Well as the infamous Dorothy Parker used to say "I don't mind if people talk about me as long as what they say isn't true".

But the week didn't end on a too bad note (even if I was not paid once again). I had my first celebrity sightings. Mr Liam Neeson. Yep that Liam Neeson. The hunky actor (who is much more hunky in real life). Then there was one of the girls from Gilmore Girls. We go to the same beauty salon. :-)

Twilight Zone aka Barbie does Scottsdale

Here's a joke for you... what do you call 2000+ American sales men and 50 women and an open bar?
A: A Pig Pen.

I must say these past few days have been enlightening (in a not good way). I can't say I even though I would see such an appalling display of undersexed, over randy men making complete and utter pigs of themselves - nor a group of women do so much to undo the good achieved by a feminism movement. I can't even say it was entertaining. So that's what I had to witness. What I had to experience was even worse. I have NEVER in my career ever felt as objectified as I did at that conference. Nor treated with such a complete and utter lack of respect. So much for the "sophisticated people" I was going to deal with at work.

You don't need to outrun the bear - just your slowest friend.

Ok - so I arrived in Phoenix where it topped 113degrees Fahrenheit (45 Celsius) today. Actually saying I am in Phoenix is a complete misrepresentation. I'm in Scottsdale which is NE of Phoenix. No wonder they didn't put the address of the hotel on my itinerary. But on the plus side - I lucked out and have my own room. How's this for a company - requiring attendance to a series of meetings - and then making us share rooms like we were back at year 7 camp.

Don't know who was looking out for me - but I thank them dearly for their efforts in getting me my own space.

Anyway for all the pain that is Phoenix (Scottsdale) I think I have stumbled on the mecca of cute American boys. Must be something in the water - but damn. I am seriously thinking about moving here. If nothing else but for the eye candy. :-) I don't mean to sound superficial (ok I do) - I just love what is aesthetically beautiful (and the scenery here sure as hell isn't)

Rock is Dead - Long Live Paper and Scissors

I've just gotten back from Charlotte (again) and am as per usual procrastinating on packing. I'm heading to Phoenix - Arizona tomorrow. Yay! Heading to what could effectively be the 6th floor of hell. It was 110 degrees yesterday (that's in the 40's), it's in the middle of the desert and apparently the best way to spend the day (according to a native) is to hire a car and drive as far away from Phoenix as possible (ok - he suggested 3 hours north of Phoenix - but you get the point).

Charlotte was as interesting as ever. Of course there was the obligatory fire alarm incident. This time however I was fully dressed and armed to deal with all of the Charlotte fire brigade. It's nice to know that even in the blurry state I was in last fire alarm (due to lack of glasses) my eyes were still accurate in spotting those buff firemen. Charlotte is really starting to grow on me.

Black Listed

Well it's end of week 5 - and I cannot believe how quickly it is all going (or that I am still living in this tiny little hotel room).

Has been an eventful week. For one thing I have most likely been black listed from a rather swanky NYC restaurant. Known as the "Spice Market" it's located in the Meatpacking district and definitely the place to be seen. Anyway had dinner there the other night with a friend - and when it can time to leave we split the bill and walked off. Only to be accosted by one of the wait staff. Apparently "it's typical to leave a 15-20% tip". And we didn't. Not deliberately so. It was 1.30am, in the middle of the week and the last thing I was capable of doing was adding 15-20% to a $69.43 bill. Anyway I suspect that I won't be scoring a table there anytime soon.

Info on Spice Market: Click Here (although not like I'll be allowed back anytime soon).

Anyway I'm ending my day rather relaxed after a trip to the salon and a spot of shopping in SoHo. It's been raining though - which makes for a rather unpleasant and smelly NYC.
Mum - Bradley is as much of a laugh as ever. He had me in stitches. Especially when he showed me his pics when he was in Aus with Koala Bears and Roos.

Insanity breeds Insanity

Just spent the last couple of days in Charlotte - North Carolina. Definitely an interesting place. Much like the travel guide quoted - it doesn't seem like a city with an oversupply of soul (if any). But - I must say that in only 4 weeks of living in NYC - I already seem to be becoming an arrogant and self involved New Yorker. Inpatient for things to happen, for people to get to the point and for my life not to be held up by others. Now take that personality and plonk it smack bang in the South.

The people in NC are nice and for those that work for big corporations and that are traveled and worldly - not much different from people in NYC. But - for the locals - talk about a laugh. To the extent that they can understand you - they treat you like this foreign thing (ok so technically I am a foreigner - but you get my point).

I was listening to this guy in the NC airport - he was chatting to his friend about how he met this girl in Charlotte - and he really liked her and "oh my god she had an accent. I had trouble understanding her - but it was soooo cute. And so cool. And oh my god - she's from Boston...." etc etc And that's the Boston that is in the same country as Charleston. I don't think the guy gets out much. :-)

Anyway - after a somewhat embarrassing incident with 2 x firetrucks full of firemen - and a 3.5 hour wait on the Charlotte International Airport Runway as we waited for a storm to pass - I got out of that place.

This weekend went by so incredibly quickly. I went shopping for things for my apartment. A TV, rug, DVD player, Iron. I ended up with:



As you can see - not a rug, tv, DVD or iron in sight. Damn Madison Ave! Ok - so it would appear I have absolutely no self restraint - but I did manage to leave the $1000 Christian Louboutin's behind (alright I'll admit it was because I couldn't walk in them - they were too high even for me. I'm talking around 5 inches at a minimum. But they were hot!)

Stoopid as a Stoopid Does

I saw the absolutely funniest thing Thursday. I was in a cab to go sign my new lease (which I did not do .... long story but something to do with signing my life away). Anyway I was just west of the park (Central) and I saw all these police cars. Amongst the cars I noticed a van - similar to a SWAT van often seen on the TV. Only this one had in massive yellow and black letters across the side "Witness Protection Relocation". Now correct me if I am wrong - but isn't the whole point of Witness Protection for it to be secret. In which case wouldn't you consider the massive yellow and black sign a little obvious and likely to draw attention?

Survival that was week 1

Day 1 at the office today. And anyone that saw me would have cracked up. I leave my hotel room (notice room) looking all styled, cool, sophisticated (Kez - you would have been so proud - I made use of accessories). Well this is NYC for you. While I was getting all prepped into the fashionista goddess ready to take the office by storm...... I made the monumental error of deciding to walk to the office rather than take that air-conditioned cab. The humidity today was off the record - it was around 37degrees with the humidity. And by the time I walked the 9 blocks to work (carrying all of my books and laptop and H2O) I walked in and looked as if I was melting (I actually think I was melting). So much for styled, cool, sophisticated me. The "living piece of art"* that started out like a Da Vinci ended up into a Monet.

But my day improved. I went to get myself a mobile number and something became bleedingly obvious to me (or rather cemented the debacle that is now referred to as the Social Security Office Nightmare). This place is more about choice than convenience. Convenience would be actually being able to order a mobile phone without it taking an hour just to fill in the form (1/2 of which you don't know what you are getting). Do I want 100 free text messages?..... if yes do I want PSC Vision [don't ask - I don't know]. Oh and then there's the option to get roaming so that you can use the phone outside of the immediate metro area..... this is a choice? Isn't that the whole point of a mobile phone?

Whatever it costs - add another $4 a month. Then do I want to be able to make international calls? Ummmmm? Yes I do! Another $4 a month. So all of a sudden my $30 month plan jumps up to $64 with all the extras. Oh and then the fine print...... you pay a surcharge of $1.50 month, then taxes (8% for NYC). Wow!!!!! All I want is a damn mobile. Now I am on the search for a pre-paid card. But given that the concept of EFTPOS is foreign here and they still pay by check - I won't hold my breath.

Which is a very different picture than the weekend. SuperVee actually got on the subway for the second time in her life.
All by myself..... without help, guidance or a map. I made it to my destination safe & sound(72ndSt via Times Square to Central Station), without getting lost, on the wrong train or mugged. Except I think I stood out a bit. Firstly it was the fact I ventured on the subway with heels (my poor Manolos - never again - they get carried in a bag). Then there was the clutching of my bag to my chest...... no way this chicky is getting pick-pocketed. But all in all - an exciting and interesting 12 minutes. So I was super cool (in my own mind) - on the subway. :-) Now the subway is an efficient system.

So I've started to piece together my schedule for the next couple of months. Here I thought I was moving to NYC to live the life of high glamour with side trips to Europe or at least somewhat interesting places in the US (San Fran, Chicago, Washington). But..... my first 2 trips. Phoenix, Arizona (and before you ask - there's nothing in Phoenix, Arizona) and Charlotte, North Carolina. Well what can we say about Charlotte, NC. I don't mean to be a pessimist (I haven't been there as yet) but this is a quote from the Yahoo Travel Site re Charlotte: "They like to project the image of a sophisticated, fast-lane cultural metropolis – in fact its center is somewhat soulless, though many nearby neighborhoods are delightful and stuffed with good places to eat.". Given the quality of the food here....... not exactly an enticement.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
* c/o Urby

Question of the Day: To outsource or not?

If I had a manifesto (ok I admit I actually do [refer to entry Mon Oct 18th 2004]- but doesn't quite read the same) it would include the statement that one should outsource what one can outsource.** At least so I've started to believe. But time will tell - no doubt tomorrow when I pick up my laundry from Lee's Laundry and Cleaners I'll learn exactly how effective outsourcing can be. There's hope for me settling here yet. I dropped off my package, didn't even question the fact that I was actually handing over my prized possessions to "Laaaarry" (where was Mr Lee?).

I think I may have had a win today. Good old trusty(?) NAB broke with their "company policy" and have - at least verbally - agreed to send me a much needed reference letter. Again time will tell if this actually comes to fruition when I receive the faxed version of the letter. And how - may you ask - did I achieve such a great feat? On wit? charm? grace? Nope - it was the whole escalation card. When they say no (which they did 4 times on that call) keep getting them to escalate a level of management. I was happy to keep on going - right up to calling in some favours with the local management team. They really are not out to make one's life easy now are they. Just hopeless.

Anyway I sign off from what was a beautiful NYC day. It was HOT HOT HOT (34 degrees) - but we saw the end of the humidity (and we saw blue sky) and I must say I loved it. I've even learnt how to walk the streets of Manhattan while not actually breathing in. It's amazing. No doubt I'll get used to the reek that comes from such heat mixed with pollution and 1.5 million people occupying 23 square miles (that's 66,940.1 people per square mile - and doesn't take into account visitors or workers that commute outside of manhattan).


_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

**With the caveat that this applies to ones personal life (we all know how disastrous outsourcing ones core competencies can be).

My Quest for the Holy Grail (otherwise referred to as a Social Security Number)

I never thought I'd ever say this - but I actually think that the Australian "customer facing government departments" (specifically Centrelink) may be worlds best in class. Or at a minimum a hell of a lot better than say - I don't know - the US Social Security Office perhaps. Not only do we contemplate online applications (we are living in 2005 are we not?), but (and again can't believe I'm saying this) the staff are friendlier and more helpful, the processes easier - oh and when you a read a form - 9 times out of 10 you can understand it (obviously the tax pack being the exception) :-) .

I went to apply for a Social Security Number (hereafter SSN) today.

To be honest - the issues started when I downloaded the application form. 4 pages of explanations to explain filling in a 1 page form with around 7 questions? Only to discover after reading the application form - the most difficult question was "what is your Mother's maiden name?". I can understand the 4 pages though - apparently they took literacy lessons from George Dubya himself - because they found a way to make that question harder to answer than the solution to achieving World Peace.

I walk in to the Social Security Office (SSO) to be greeted(?) by a security woman (actually I was looking around somewhat dumbfounded as I couldn't find one sign to indicate where to go or what to do - and she apparently took pity and pointed towards what looked to be a relatively short line).

But looks can be be oh so deceiving. I will admit - I was forewarned it would take a while. But OMG 2.5 hrs standing in a line!!! For what eventually took 3.58 minutes (yes I was timing). There were approx 13 people in front of me - not a great number considering there were 14 in the whole place (I found an apparently fairly unknown SSO just around the corner from the hotel). But damn they are slow.

And then - after I get to the front of the line with only 2 people to go..... the SS Officer walks off. Never to be seen again. I think it may have been her lunch break. So we wait, and wait, and wait. People are dropping like flies, leaving the office followed by a string of huffs, puffs and the occasional profanity (some woman went so far as to scream - yep scream - at the SS officers from the line). Then one of the people in the line made the monumental error of asking the security woman if anyone was coming back - not pretty I tell you.

Finally - it is my turn....... but the new SS Officer is off again. So I wait and wait and watch the clock as it looks like I will miss my 2 o'clock appointment. And then voila - "sign here" I hear. But I can't - she typed in the data wrong - and damn was it scary telling her. Then she's off - again - and then back - form correct. Signed. Done?

So I'm sure you're wondering if I ever got that damn SSN. And the answer is (do I really need to tell you?) NO!!!! I did not!!!!!!! Apparently the official visa stamp in my passport issued by the US Consulate - was not enough to verify I have a visa. They needed to "check" (what the? It's ok for customs to let me in the country but not to get a SSN?). And the check - takes 6 weeks!!!!!!!!

And that's when it all came to me - they don't want to make it easy. If you cut down the numbers, make people wait in line for hours, bark or ignore the person you are speaking to - then maybe, just maybe, that's one less piece of work to be done because you drive everyone away. Online or postal application process anyone?

So there - I vented. I feel better. I am still down one SSN - but such is life right.
A special thanks to Miss Melly - for which I would never have survived the 2.5 hours standing on concrete in stilettos without my copy of the Fashionista Files - which I have now finished thanks to the inefficiency of the US Social Security Office. So it was not an entire waste of time.

Are the planets out of alignment?

So the Manolo store has 2 sales a year. All season items in the store on sale. And me….. what am I doing the one day of the year that Blahnik’s has a sale? Could responsibility have actually overtaken the desire to purchase designer shoes? I am apartment hunting - or more accurately at the time the Manolo store opened after restocking – I was walking through the MeatPacking District – in sweltering heat. And yes it did smell as bad as you imagine it would. I think I may actually be losing it. Since when does a fashionista ever pick practical over couture?

My experience apartment hunting has been an interesting one. I discovered today there’s only one way to apartment hunt – and that’s with a broker, a city guide and town car. I was picked up at 10am this morning but a rather lush green Lincoln town car. First stop Trump Place (yes that Trump). Unfortunately – it set a fairly high standard for apartments for the day. Everything paled in comparison. With it’s high ceilings and 665 square footage – it’s a reasonable sized apartment. Complete with health club, doorman, concierge, security guards, valet parking, outside a 20 acre extension of Riverside Park, shuttle bus to the subway station, views of the Hudson etc etc – who could knock it back? Other than it’s not exactly in the part of Manhattan I wanted to live. Small price to pay? Check it out: www.trumpplace.com

After what felt like viewing 100+ apartments later (actually only 10), eating in the smelliest (yet apparently being the “it” place to eat – upper east side) and being accosted by a tenant in one of the apartment blocks - I got down to the one part of Manhattan I was interested in living. Other than the reality check that: 1. the apartments in the West Village are dumps; 2. the area is noisy and kinda smells; and 3. the prices are way out of the average persons price range – I think it went well. J

And I get to relive the experience again tomorrow and Thursday. Such Joy. I’ll still be a pair of Manolo’s down.

Welcome to NYC?

I never seem to be able to get over quite how different the US is from Aus. We have this standard of living, service, cleanliness that is missed here (unless of course you are living the life of luxury - where someone does all that for you - at a high cost). Take the hotel I am currently living at. It's classed as one of the nicer in the area and yet it just doesn't compare to say the equivalent rating in Aus.

But I can't complain - it's a much bigger room than you would usually get here. I think the BellBoy took a liking to me - and upgraded my room. I have a view of the Hudson river and the east side of the city. Pics per blog.

Where have all the good men gone?

For all you fabulous fashionistas out there in Aussie land - I've discovered the answer to why there are no eligible men in Aus - because they are all apparently in the US. Who would have thought. Almost adopted myself a cute little Aussie boy in the security line at SFO. Damn if only he was flying to NYC instead of Chicago. :-)

Does Anyone Care Anymore?

So answer me this question. Why is it that we have seemed to have lost all sense of consideration and respect for others around us?

I cannot get over how just a basic level of polietness seems to have been lost by what seems to be the majority. Where are we headed exactly?

The Travel Bug

I've been travelling again this past week. I don't know what is worse. Being on the road all the time (and therefore getting somewhat used to it) or travelling more sporadically - but feeling the effect of it even more.

I've seem to be averaging at least a trip a month and it is wearing thin. But how can one complain? I get to see so many amazing places in the world thanks to my work. I feel ungrateful for complaining.

This past trip I've been in Singapore. Not the most exciting city in the world. In fact it can be downright boring at times. Beautiful as it is - it just lacks the character of... well some of the European cities. Like clockwork - every day at 5pm it storms. And then the day becomes a quagmire of humidity. You can cut through it - it is so thick and suffocating.

I'm off again this week. As usual I will probably leave everything to the last minute. Including packing. But this trip is all for fun. NYC! One of the most interesting cities in the world I have had the pleasure of visiting.

Am so looking forward to just getting away from my work - which is smothering me at the moment. I get to have 9 whole days where hopefully the only thoughts of work - is how much I am not missing it.

Simu Date, Circa Now

Why does there always seem to be a direct correlation between the magnitude of a bad date to the older we become? Does turning 28 really turn you into flypaper for freaks?

Case in point - "Carrot Man".
Date 1 47mins in: (yes I was timing.... this was the highlight). Carrot Man informs me that he just "cannot possibly consume carrots.... they grow in the ground you know..... they are practically a root."
52 mins in: I couldn't resist. "what about potatoes? I noticed you just ate those. Isn't that a double standard?"
55 mins in: End of date (I think my question struck a nerve).

So now I am left wondering..... are there still men out there that are not carrot bigots. Or do I just need to accept what is fast becoming my reality?

Storm

It's storming outside. The windows are shaking!
Reminds me of just how insignificant we really are.
And it's only a mild storm compared.

Lessons Learnt

Life Lesson 1: I didn't think. We couldn't find the best solution

Life Lesson 2: "Best if we keep it quiet instead. Everyone here's to blame and we are caught up in the pleasure and the pain"

Life Lesson 3: No matter how many life lessons we think we get.... Until you believe enough to make changes you will never really learn anything.

My Dream

I dreamt last night I was in a freezer. It wasn't on. It was dark and I was just sitting in it. And not one of those big ones either. One of those 1/3 fridges that sit on top of a fridge.
Could this be the start of the end? Do I need to call the white van myself? :-)

Naming the Puppy - But only when it's all bad.

For some of us - in our minds we allow our sense of reason to be overridden by emotion. Rational thinking takes the place of that emotion as we distance ourselves and allow ourselves to escape the burden of those emotional "chains". A mind that never stops but constantly torn between a rational and logical sense of reason and the emotional confines we allow to permeate through our thoughts.

So easily identified yet so difficult to prevent. Maybe we are not supposed to beat it down? Perhaps it's the way we are meant to process? Whatever the reasoning it's almost too hard.

And that is why we do not name the puppy.

For Kitty

Kitty

I read this recently. For the start of the manifesto?
Have a play and see what you can come up with.

"She smiles at the future
Lives life magnificently
Executes justice on the earth
And places value upon humanity"