In an attempt to distract myself from the current Memphis-pounding, I thought I would post an update of last week's events:
Mom and Dad in NYC
Minus a few hiccups (a cancelled flight, a wicked cold wind, and an accidental adventure to JFK), the trip went swimmingly. Dad survived trips to both the Herald Square Macy's and the 5th Avenue Apple store AND a Broadway show starring Clay Aiken (he's such a good sport!). We made friends with a chef, a concierge, and a host and consequently had some of the best restaurant service and food that I've ever had. Mom and Dad made it to three out of five boroughs (one by accident), mastered the subway system, and outsmarted a timeshare salesman. I loved having them here and I can't wait for their next trip!
One of my favorite things about traveling with Mom and Dad is how hard they make me laugh. One of their least favorite things about traveling with me is that I write down the funny things that they say. Here are a few gems from this trip:
"We've lost the father figure."
"Mom looks like she's from New York. No, wait. Her hair is too big."
"I may be a pigeon whisperer."
Job Interviews
Most of you know that I've started interviewing again. In fact, most of you have been kind enough to listen to me elaborate on my unhappiness -- so, I'll spare you a rehashing of details. On a positive note, over the last two weeks I've met with four great agencies. One of the best things about this process has been the "advice" emails that I've received from my old boss/mentor Jason. I'm still not sure what it means, but here's my favorite:
Remember grasshopper,
Its not about the money. Its about the money.
Loyalty is dead.
Only robots work on CPG.
I think I just crafted my very first advertising poem.
You're welcome.
(Half) Marathon Ambitions
I've decided to run in a half marathon in July. After looking at a few online training schedules, I realized that I wouldn't need to up my mileage much -- just add a few long runs on the weekends. The bigger challenge will be to be disciplined enough to wake up early on Saturday for these long runs. First week motivation had me up at 8:30 yesterday to run a 10K. Yesterday was one of those days that would have been a waste if you spent it inside. I ran the quickest six miles that I have in a couple of years and I felt SO great the rest of the day. Getting most of my Saturday chores early in the day also afforded me a long afternoon nap -- my favorite weekend ritual.
I've recruited a few people to run with me in July. If you want to join, let me know! Here's the link to check out the details: http://www.nyrr.org/races/2008/nychalf/index.asp
Ew, ouch. We just whiffed another 3-point shot. Time to go cheer on my Horns. They could use some love right about now!
-Les
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The Bizarro Jerry
1. There was a uterus pinata haning in the corner of my doctor's office.
2. I saw a little person Michael Jackson impersonator. A bedazzled vest. White gloves. Dark sunglasses. Awesomeness.
3. Ever heard Irish techno music? Me neither.
4. Sarah and I narrowly escaped being kicked in the head by a team of subway hip hop dancers.
5. After avoiding the subway concussion, we danced and had drinks with a soap opera star.
6. G of the R&GB's blamed my Dallas-absence for B's current sickness. First, I'm "boring." Then, I'm "affected." I sure get a lot of flack considering all of the you-should-really-be-working entertainment I provide.
2. I saw a little person Michael Jackson impersonator. A bedazzled vest. White gloves. Dark sunglasses. Awesomeness.
3. Ever heard Irish techno music? Me neither.
4. Sarah and I narrowly escaped being kicked in the head by a team of subway hip hop dancers.
5. After avoiding the subway concussion, we danced and had drinks with a soap opera star.
6. G of the R&GB's blamed my Dallas-absence for B's current sickness. First, I'm "boring." Then, I'm "affected." I sure get a lot of flack considering all of the you-should-really-be-working entertainment I provide.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Life Lessons
This week's been a rough one. The stress and chaos at work are at nearly unbearable levels. Thank goodness for my loving family, my gym membership, and weekends.
In the spirit of positive thinking, here are a few great things that happened this week:
- The air mattress has officially been replaced with grown-up chairs.
- I had the perfect commute on Thursday. The F train pulled up seconds after I walked into the station. I lucked out and was able to get a seat. Then, to top it off, the doors opened a few stops later to the express train across the platform. I was able to skip a V and cruised into the 5th Avenue station in record time. It was magical.
- I had a spontaneous hour-long conversation with my Dad that made this incredible impression on me. If there is such a thing as saying exactly the right thing, he did. When I was little, I thought he knew everything. When I was a little older, I changed my mind. Now, I know he may not know everything, but he sure knows a hell of a lot.
- UT advanced to the semi-finals of the Big 12 tourney. I'm meeting Sarah in the City tomorrow to share a few beers with the St. Patty's revelers and cheer on our Horns!
- Top Chef premiered. 'Nough said.
- Only a three more days until Mom and Dad arrive!
In the spirit of positive thinking, here are a few great things that happened this week:
- The air mattress has officially been replaced with grown-up chairs.
- I had the perfect commute on Thursday. The F train pulled up seconds after I walked into the station. I lucked out and was able to get a seat. Then, to top it off, the doors opened a few stops later to the express train across the platform. I was able to skip a V and cruised into the 5th Avenue station in record time. It was magical.
- I had a spontaneous hour-long conversation with my Dad that made this incredible impression on me. If there is such a thing as saying exactly the right thing, he did. When I was little, I thought he knew everything. When I was a little older, I changed my mind. Now, I know he may not know everything, but he sure knows a hell of a lot.
- UT advanced to the semi-finals of the Big 12 tourney. I'm meeting Sarah in the City tomorrow to share a few beers with the St. Patty's revelers and cheer on our Horns!
- Top Chef premiered. 'Nough said.
- Only a three more days until Mom and Dad arrive!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
A Big Apple Arrival
Only 9 days left until the parental units journey to “the big city” (their quote, not mine). Unfortunately it looks like they will be welcomed by a rainy and cold forecast – not unlike recent Texas weather. Hopefully it will clear up quickly because we have LOTS to do. I doubt we’ll fit it all in, but here’s what’s planned so far:
A sufficient amount of “jazz hands” to fill Dad’s theater quotient for the year -- Spamalot (starring the one and only Clay Aiken) and another TBD
A diet-destroying tour of some of NY’s best restaurants – Savoy, Mesa Grill, Fran’s (I think that’s the name of the place), Morimoto’s (perhaps), H&H Bagels (def)
Some Easter celebrating on the Lower East Side – Mass at Church of Our Lady of Pompeii and brunch at Deborah's
Hitting all of the city’s best jogging spots with Dad -- Central Park, Westside Hwy, Prospect Park
A diligent effort to make Dad less scared of Brooklyn – walk the Brooklyn Bridge, a ride on the F train (woo, woo), a slice at Grimaldi’s, a stroll through the Park Slope 'hood
A Food Network overload – see restaurant list above, Chelsea Market
And, of course, some tourist must-sees – Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Wall Street, Empire State Building, 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Grand Central, Hayden Planetarium
I wish Brother and fam were able to come too, but they are busy growing babies and such. Oh, well. Next summer for sure.
A sufficient amount of “jazz hands” to fill Dad’s theater quotient for the year -- Spamalot (starring the one and only Clay Aiken) and another TBD
A diet-destroying tour of some of NY’s best restaurants – Savoy, Mesa Grill, Fran’s (I think that’s the name of the place), Morimoto’s (perhaps), H&H Bagels (def)
Some Easter celebrating on the Lower East Side – Mass at Church of Our Lady of Pompeii and brunch at Deborah's
Hitting all of the city’s best jogging spots with Dad -- Central Park, Westside Hwy, Prospect Park
A diligent effort to make Dad less scared of Brooklyn – walk the Brooklyn Bridge, a ride on the F train (woo, woo), a slice at Grimaldi’s, a stroll through the Park Slope 'hood
A Food Network overload – see restaurant list above, Chelsea Market
And, of course, some tourist must-sees – Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Wall Street, Empire State Building, 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Grand Central, Hayden Planetarium
I wish Brother and fam were able to come too, but they are busy growing babies and such. Oh, well. Next summer for sure.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Satisfaction
I have a habit of making giant to-do lists. Pages and pages of great hope that ends with me crossing out only one or two things. The rest usually goes straight down the toilet. One item ends up being so complicated and involved that everything else must be set aside, or unexpected things crop up that have to be taken care of or the world will end right that second in a burst of flames. Or out of nowhere, I spend the weekend on the couch (er blow up mattress) watching just one more Law & Order rerun.
I like to assume that the things I actually accomplish from said to-do lists were the right things to do, and the things that I let go might be somewhat less important in the grand scheme of things. Mopping, for instance. Who really needs to have a spotless floor? A communist. A communist cares about having a dustless floor, and I bet they also worry about having clean underwear in case they get into a car accident. Mopping the floor was on my list, but my floor remains uncleaned, and I'm (mostly) okay with that.
I'm also trying to be okay with sheets to be changed and curtains to be purchased and a dresser to finish assembling and phone calls to make, but I haven't managed to get to any of that. There was important curling-up-in-bed-to-read-a-novel to be done and I have decided that that is, in fact, important -- to my happiness, and well-being, and sanity.
Fortunately for the sake of my self-respect, this is not just an abstract, hippie-esque wahzoo (thanks Graham). There are more important things to worry about in this kind of shiny epiphany thing happening (though I am okay with that, even though it's the kind of epiphany I seem to endure every couple of weeks, which tells you something either about my attention span or my capacity for just letting go).
There are, of course, more concrete things on the list. And, maybe they're the things that let me be okay with the fact that my dishes aren't done –- my crazy, oddly fulfilling, never drama-less job for one. If I could keep up with that and maybe mix in a little of the dish-washing cleanliness kind of stuff, finally decorating my apartment, tackling some financial planning, going to the gym, and finally purchasing my computer (and using it to plan the Sumner/Norris 2009 Tour de South America), that would be impressive.
Try and keep all the balls in the air, for once. That will be when I'll finally be satisfied, right?
I like to assume that the things I actually accomplish from said to-do lists were the right things to do, and the things that I let go might be somewhat less important in the grand scheme of things. Mopping, for instance. Who really needs to have a spotless floor? A communist. A communist cares about having a dustless floor, and I bet they also worry about having clean underwear in case they get into a car accident. Mopping the floor was on my list, but my floor remains uncleaned, and I'm (mostly) okay with that.
I'm also trying to be okay with sheets to be changed and curtains to be purchased and a dresser to finish assembling and phone calls to make, but I haven't managed to get to any of that. There was important curling-up-in-bed-to-read-a-novel to be done and I have decided that that is, in fact, important -- to my happiness, and well-being, and sanity.
Fortunately for the sake of my self-respect, this is not just an abstract, hippie-esque wahzoo (thanks Graham). There are more important things to worry about in this kind of shiny epiphany thing happening (though I am okay with that, even though it's the kind of epiphany I seem to endure every couple of weeks, which tells you something either about my attention span or my capacity for just letting go).
There are, of course, more concrete things on the list. And, maybe they're the things that let me be okay with the fact that my dishes aren't done –- my crazy, oddly fulfilling, never drama-less job for one. If I could keep up with that and maybe mix in a little of the dish-washing cleanliness kind of stuff, finally decorating my apartment, tackling some financial planning, going to the gym, and finally purchasing my computer (and using it to plan the Sumner/Norris 2009 Tour de South America), that would be impressive.
Try and keep all the balls in the air, for once. That will be when I'll finally be satisfied, right?
Monday, March 3, 2008
A Week In Review
My apologies for letting a week slip by without an update. Here's a quick week in review:
Sunday -- Work sent me back to Horsham for a series of client meetings. The travel agent had called earlier in the week bragging about how he had gotten me into this great hotel. The fact that we were talking about Horsham made me skeptical. It turned out to be one of those old-timey, grand, genteel, tacky-piano establishments. As I curled up on the wrought-iron bed, watching the elderly fruit expire on the "welcome plate" I dreamed of the high speed Internet, 24-hour gym, and vending machines of my normal Holiday Inn down the road. I don't mean to be a party pooper, but hotels with "inn" in the title are not my style.
Monday -- Meeeeeeetings.
Tuesday -- The meetings became more and more painful as I considered the amount of work piling up at the office. Lily, my Canadian co-worker, and I decided that we needed a break. We ditched our laptops, went for a run, and then found the only good restaurant in town. The night turned out to be some high quality co-worker bonding -- I wish she worked out of the New York office.
Wednesday -- A few more meetings and then a journey north.
Thursday -- Back to the old routine. When I walk in the door, my office mate announces, "I quit." NOOO!!! Frankly, I don't blame her. She's under-paid, under-appreciated, and over-worked. I'm going to miss her terribly.
Friday -- Several weeks ago a very close friend found a lump in her breast. Friday was her biopsy. It was a weird day. We're way too young and healthy to even consider the c-word. The procedure was simple and quick. Now, we just wait.
Saturday -- Hoboken celebrates St. Patrick's day a few weeks early. It's this ridiculous tradition where people start drinking before breakfast. We party-hopped between some of Sarah's work friends and some of mine. We met a series of interesting people -- the Todd brothers, the lying Schlumberger ambassador, the bad breakfast sandwich chef, and the NJ-ite with Texas tattooed on his leg. A green bagel, a few green beers, good friends and good times.
Sunday -- Back to Brooklyn for some chores, a little work, and a lot of recovery.
So, there you go. You're all caught up. Happy Monday! Kisses -Les
Sunday -- Work sent me back to Horsham for a series of client meetings. The travel agent had called earlier in the week bragging about how he had gotten me into this great hotel. The fact that we were talking about Horsham made me skeptical. It turned out to be one of those old-timey, grand, genteel, tacky-piano establishments. As I curled up on the wrought-iron bed, watching the elderly fruit expire on the "welcome plate" I dreamed of the high speed Internet, 24-hour gym, and vending machines of my normal Holiday Inn down the road. I don't mean to be a party pooper, but hotels with "inn" in the title are not my style.
Monday -- Meeeeeeetings.
Tuesday -- The meetings became more and more painful as I considered the amount of work piling up at the office. Lily, my Canadian co-worker, and I decided that we needed a break. We ditched our laptops, went for a run, and then found the only good restaurant in town. The night turned out to be some high quality co-worker bonding -- I wish she worked out of the New York office.
Wednesday -- A few more meetings and then a journey north.
Thursday -- Back to the old routine. When I walk in the door, my office mate announces, "I quit." NOOO!!! Frankly, I don't blame her. She's under-paid, under-appreciated, and over-worked. I'm going to miss her terribly.
Friday -- Several weeks ago a very close friend found a lump in her breast. Friday was her biopsy. It was a weird day. We're way too young and healthy to even consider the c-word. The procedure was simple and quick. Now, we just wait.
Saturday -- Hoboken celebrates St. Patrick's day a few weeks early. It's this ridiculous tradition where people start drinking before breakfast. We party-hopped between some of Sarah's work friends and some of mine. We met a series of interesting people -- the Todd brothers, the lying Schlumberger ambassador, the bad breakfast sandwich chef, and the NJ-ite with Texas tattooed on his leg. A green bagel, a few green beers, good friends and good times.
Sunday -- Back to Brooklyn for some chores, a little work, and a lot of recovery.
So, there you go. You're all caught up. Happy Monday! Kisses -Les
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