Since 2000 I have made an annual pilgrimage to NYC to spend time with family,shop till I drop and soak up as much culture as I possibly can. New York is the place where I feel most whole and my soul starts to ache for it when I've been away to long. This year there were three main goals. To see the Savage Beauty tribute to Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Harry Potter Exhibition at the Discovery Times Square and How to Succeed in Business with Daniel Radcliffe on Broadway. All three goals were accomplished and I'll tell you about them as well as give you a look see into the people places and things I encountered on my visit this year.
Day 1 HELLOOOOOO NEW YORK!!!
Had a remarkably good night sleep which is completely against the norm as I usually toss and turn or stare at the ceiling the entire night before traveling. I had packed everything I needed the night before but still ran around my apartment, my hands clutched to the roots of my hair sure I was forgetting something. ( I still await the revelation that I was right)
The hardest part about leaving my everyday life behind is leaving Abigail who had been sick for the last week and while the Vet believed the worst was over I still couldn't help but be worried that something would come up while I was away. I always have horrible guilt about leaving her. She's been abandoned twice and I think how I would feel if I was here and my human just suddenly stopped coming home at the end of the day. For days and days and days... I know it's probably irrational but I am one of those people who truly believe pets see and feel and know and when Abby sees that luggage on the bed she knows Mom is leaving on a Jet Plane. I found myself snuggling with her on the bed and making her the same promises to return and telling her not to have any wild parties while I was away.
In reality she probably could care less and it's probably narcissistic of me to believe that she is actually going to miss me at all.
Breakfast with my Dad where we had the usual conversation about what I planned to do and if I was going to the village and would I have an egg cream and a knish. Even on the trips that I do get both of those things he always tells me that they don't make them like they used to when he was growing up so I will never know what it is like properly have either of them.
The check-in and trip through security was not eventful yet another rarity ( when things are to easy I always wonder why and when it will end) and my flight was jam packed. Hate sitting next to strange people who usually (in my experience) either smell, get up every five minutes ( I learned from that one and now only sit by the window) or are sick and have the insatiable need to pass whatever disease they are carrying on with me. Luckily the people sitting beside me seemed to be healthy, held no strange odor and didn't even say hello to me when they sat down. My window only stance did serve me well again this trip though as the husband in the aisle seat got up every five minutes to use the can. Can anyone say prostate exam or double dose of Pepto???? We had a regular comedian named Berry as one of our flight attendants who made me chuckle every time he came over the over head and actually got a hand from many of the passengers once we landed at JFK. OF course Berry was from New York. His accent gave him away the moment he greeted me as I boarded the plane and it was nice to see that all of the attendants on my flight actually seemed to like their jobs ( another rarity)
The only hiccup getting here the twenty-five minute wait for my luggage. Guess getting us here twenty minutes early wasn't such a good thing after all. Ended up spending just as much time as I would have if we had arrived right on time.
The weather is dreary and I expect from the reports I have seen that it will be that way the remainder of the week. I was happy though to see that the forecast here said it would clear up by the weekend. When I checked it last night it was going to be raining until the middle of next week. I don't mind the chill ( I came prepared) but I'm not a fan of walking in the rain.
Thought that the day would entail the usual trip to the diner for usual inaugural meal of a grill cheese and tomato (CHECK) and then spending some time unpacking and chilling with the family before conking out early to prepare for the next day. Much to my surprise I find that I will be heading into the city to go to the SOHO Apple store to see an artist my Aunt says is hot but who's name she can not remember. Figure I'll find out who that is when I get there....
Well the artist in questioned turned out to be Tinie Tempah who's album was breaking in the states tomorrow. We ended up standing in line for an hour before they let us be seated and then waited another half hour before he came to the stage. Somewhere during that time frame he walked through the small venue with quite an entourage (most of which turned out to be his band) and I couldn't help but think if this is his crew now what is it going to be like when he actually starts making a real splash here in the states? I am only familiar with one song Written in the Stars (which he did as his last song) but was impressed by his performance and that of his band. All were energetic and feed the crowd (many of which seemed to know every word to every song) and their driving beats made the walls bounce and the floor shake ( I couldn't help but wonder if the balcony floor we were on was strong enough to handle all the jumping and thumping of the crowd). Tinie brought out the Eric Turner to perform "Written in the stars" with him and then he was done. Many people stayed after the show and were rewarded with the band,Eric and Tinie coming back out to the stage area to pose for photos, give autographs and those who were able to meet him seemed pleased and spoke of his appeasing nature with his fans.
The weather here is HORRIBLE. Wet and Chilly and by the time we left the store it was after 9 and while I would have liked to walk around and peer into windows we headed back to the subway and headed towards Queens.
TRENDS OF THE TRIP....
I am a people watcher and a fashion hound so the last few years when I come my eye starts to pick out fashion trends. One year it was the green kelly bags. Another was peasant skirts and another was ballet flats. This year the first trend I have noticed is beige/khaki trench coats. Yes I know trench coats are always in fashion and wore at all times but this year there seems to be an over abundance of the one color floating all around the city.
Observations
I girl on the subway on the way into the city reading Shiver which made me smile and feel giddy that the third book would be released soon. I love that damned book and can't wait until I get to read the conclusion.
Day 2 Break out the list and start at the top.
More rain UGH!!!!
I am praying that somehow the rain Gods give me a break in the weather and the Mets game is not postponed by rain. Being the eternal pessimist I have little hope that it will go down but we shall see. They are only playing at Citi through Thursday (with rain fore casted for every day) I am not fond of the idea of being out 140$ for tickets.
Had my first everything bagel. A must have NYC tradition.
Planning on going to the MET today to see the Alexander McQueen exhibit which is the number one reason that I came. I hope it is as spectacular as he was.
When we finally made it to the MET ( the 11 o'clock be there time sooooo did not happen) we made a beeline for the A. Mc exhibit to find a very long line. From the moment you saw the first dress I was enrapt by what I saw. Alex has always been one of my favorite designers. He was avant garde ,bold and in your face but something about his clothes (no matter how out there he got) were real for me. His work represents vast periods of time taking the best of what has come before and translating it for the now. His clothes are both modern and futuristic ( using everything from traditional fabrics, to blood red painted medical slides) and as I walked through the exhibit I couldn't help but think of how his work would translate on the silver screen. How I could see some Grand Mad Woman sweeping in in one of his dresses ready to exact her revenge while looking fierce ( in more ways than one). He knew how to bring on the theatrics better than anyone else I have seen. Dark and mysterious with a touch of melancholy and evil. He was an original and he will never be replaced. More than 100 pieces of his work were displayed encompassing his career from beginning to end. There was special attention paid to his passions for Scottish traditional tartans, Asian influence and nature. There was one amazing dress made completely of razor clam shells and another of a combination of artificial and real flowers.
They played the videos many of his run way shows on screens through out the exhibit and there was one room dedicated specifically for this accessories ( the most crowded room EVER) but the one I spent the most time in) The butterfly headpiece was there as well as a red Faberge egg handbag. 
The last room of the show was dedicated to pieces from the final collection before his death last year. The lobster claw shoes made famous by Lady Gaga were their in force I have seen many variant pieces walking the red carpet and events on the bodies of Hollywood's Elite
I noticed many people through out the show in various stages of tears. One of the prevailing themes in Mr McQueen's quotes scattered through out the exhibit was death. He was not afraid of it ,in many ways he coveted it and as you walk through and read you can plainly see his fate was written by the words he spoke. I to found myself choked up being so close to the life's work of someone I have long admired and knowing that what we were seeing was all there would be. He was an amazing artist who like so many others of his ilk found that they could no longer remain here on this plane. Genius's may not live forever but their work and the memories of what they brought to this world will. I am grateful to have had this experience, it was the greatest show I have seen the Costume Gala put on to date and one of my very favorite New York Moments.
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| In 2002 Gwyneth Paltrow wore a similar piece to the Oscars and got skewered for it. |
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| You walked around a corner to see this piece wind billowing through the coat. Very dramatic. |
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| One of my favorite pieces in the middle feathers of gold with a tulle skirt. |
DRAMMMMMMMA:
There is something that I have learned from all of my visits here over the years. We will never be on time for anything. Today we were supposed to leave the house and be at the Met by 11. I think it was close to noon before we even made it out the door so by the time we got there and made it through the McQueen exhibit there was very little time for anything else (hence a second trip to be made later in the visit) We had a game to get to by 7 but of course were distracted by the neighborhood and taking pictures for reference for a story I plan on working on later this summer. I need visuals to help me through it and one of my characters would surely live on or near Central park. After the lengthy subway ride back into Queens and several pit stops along the way we finally got back to the apt around 5:45. We changed, chilled for just a minute and then as we were cutting off the TV and getting ready to head out BAM the postponement of the game came across the ticker at the bottom of the screen. My aunt thought my uncle was messing. Of course he wasn't and then a feverish semi-combative conversation erupted about how it wasn't raining, how lucky we were we didn't go all the way to the stadium,what we were going to do now and the ulterior motives the team had for cancelling the game. I was disappointed ( the one out of the money and NOT seeing her team play) but was the most calm and after a bit of time found that I could exchange the tickets either for one of the remaining games with the Nationals or hold on to the tickets til next year and exchange them then. I was satisfied, I had options and we will hopefully be going to the game (weather permitting) tomorrow night. I was far more disappointed in the fact that I had to eat a turkey and provolone sub for the second night in a row... I should have gone with my instinct which was to get food at the game and once the drama had concluded, gone down the street and had Spanish food for dinner. I WILL NOT be having another SUB tomorrow night. This is NEW YORK a major food mecca there has to be other alternatives. I suppose in the end I will have my favorite taco's at the game. Oh and a hot dog.. Man, smelled them coming out of the MET today and just about drooled on myself. Did I mention that the cafeteria was closing and had no food left by the time we go there? Yeah they were packing the hell on up at 3:30 but at least they still had the fabulous marbled pound cake... I got that and a lemon Snapple but it didn't do much to curb my hunger, for those hot dogs called to me hard.
One of the rituals my Aunt and I have is to go down the street in the neighborhood to her little theater and see a movie. She wanted to see the Conspiracy but I had already seen that so instead we saw a little indie movie with Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan called Win Win.
I hadn't heard of the movie but enjoyed it and would probably enjoyed it more if it were not for the loud mouthed hooch sitting in front of me. Words were exchanged. Threats were made and I took my ass out the see the manager. I spent much of the movie formulating in my mind what I was going to do and say if she showed her ass at the end of the movie but luckily she stayed in her seat ( her mother probably clutching her arm or digging her heel into her shin) and I went along my merry way my earrings still in place and no arrests on my record. I tell you though for anyone who doesn't already know this. A Movie Theater ( while the movie is showing especially) is NOT the place to have a meaningful bond inducing conversation. Go to a restaurant or stay the hell home but once the theater goes dark SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!!
I hadn't heard of the movie but enjoyed it and would probably enjoyed it more if it were not for the loud mouthed hooch sitting in front of me. Words were exchanged. Threats were made and I took my ass out the see the manager. I spent much of the movie formulating in my mind what I was going to do and say if she showed her ass at the end of the movie but luckily she stayed in her seat ( her mother probably clutching her arm or digging her heel into her shin) and I went along my merry way my earrings still in place and no arrests on my record. I tell you though for anyone who doesn't already know this. A Movie Theater ( while the movie is showing especially) is NOT the place to have a meaningful bond inducing conversation. Go to a restaurant or stay the hell home but once the theater goes dark SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!!
Once safely back home we laid down ideas of things to do while here ( found out there is a Van Cleef and Arpels exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt Museum) The schedule is full but I am sure as usual we will find other things and some of the list will have to be edited in order to accommodate the shift. I never get to do and see everything I want to. I have to prioritize and compartmentalize in order to stay sane and get through maybe a third of what I came to accomplish. Writing this blog is something else I am having to find time to do. I planned on working on my fan fiction to but I think I got one paragraph down this morning before it was time to head out. Only so many hours in the day but I'm still going to try to put down the highlights even it it is 1 in the morning when I do it..
DAY 3 RAIN RAIN GO THE FUCK AWAY!!!!
I like the rain. It washes the dirt and grim (and pollen) away, quenches the thirst of plants and animals and generally makes everything look so fresh and so clean. BUT when I am away with a ton of things I wish to get accomplished and have to run from place to place on foot then I really do NOT want it to rain on me. I have a thing. If it rains when I'm on my way home then so be it. I'll walk for miles in it cause I know when I get home I will be able to peel the clothes off get dry and warm and be comfortable. If it rains on me while I am going some place I end up a wet soggy bitchy mess who's time is dampered in more ways than one. Today was one of the latter type of days. I went into Moma wet. The museum for me is always a hit or miss. I always find something I like and always find something that makes me go WTF?? How is THAT art?
I mean really there are houses under renovation all over the country right now that have that exact set up waiting for people to come and see. Perhaps they add the artist's rendering into the the estimate for the work or into the closing of the house. All I know is many times I see these things and I wonder if there is something wrong with me because I just don't get it. There was but one thing within the exhibition of Francis Alys that tickled my fancy a video of he made of a beetle bug trying in vain to make it up a steep Mexico hill to audio of his brass band practicing. It made me giggle and while the plaque outside the room said it never makes it to the top I still sat in there watching it hoping that it was wrong. There was also a cute video of two men lip syncing the song Lollipop in the contemporary art room that was dead on and very funny.
I had finally dried off and waisted a ton of time in the gift shop hoping the rain would slow down ( they wanted 30-40 dollars for a freaking umbrella) when we decided it was time to get wet again and walked a block and a half to a cafe to eat ( since Moma's cafe has changed their menu and it well.... kind of SUCKED). We sat and I had chicken noodle soup and hot chocolate wet.
I enjoyed the German Impressionist exhibit which focused on enclave of German artists work starting around the beginning of the 20th century. The part of the exhibition that hit me hardest focused on the time around and just after World War One. I was particularly stricken by a wall of etchings done by Otto Dix which depicted his visions of war. You could feel his fear and experienced through his artists eye all of the death and destruction he had seen on the front lines. Several of the artists went mad from their experiences during the war and others did not come home at all. Mr Dix was able to transfer his madness and sorrow into his art. It is probably what saved him. I have seen his work on exhibit before as well as the works of Kandinsky, Beckmann and Nolde but put into the the perspective of a cohesive showing they made more sense and were far more thought provoking than before.
There was also a small continuing series on the influence of Music as an art form which currently focus on the hip hop,pop and alternative scenes of the 80's and 90's. Within the exhibit were videos to watch ( from Weezer to Grace Jones), cd's to listen to ( from Sonic Youth to the Beastie Boys) and memorabilia to commemorate that time in music history. This exhibition capitalize a segment of the musical influences of my youth and brought back a bit of romantic nostalgia for that time of my life.
Walking into the next room I just about balked and choked when I came across an installation that consisted of blinds lying on the floor in the contemporary art room.
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I mean really there are houses under renovation all over the country right now that have that exact set up waiting for people to come and see. Perhaps they add the artist's rendering into the the estimate for the work or into the closing of the house. All I know is many times I see these things and I wonder if there is something wrong with me because I just don't get it. There was but one thing within the exhibition of Francis Alys that tickled my fancy a video of he made of a beetle bug trying in vain to make it up a steep Mexico hill to audio of his brass band practicing. It made me giggle and while the plaque outside the room said it never makes it to the top I still sat in there watching it hoping that it was wrong. There was also a cute video of two men lip syncing the song Lollipop in the contemporary art room that was dead on and very funny.
I had finally dried off and waisted a ton of time in the gift shop hoping the rain would slow down ( they wanted 30-40 dollars for a freaking umbrella) when we decided it was time to get wet again and walked a block and a half to a cafe to eat ( since Moma's cafe has changed their menu and it well.... kind of SUCKED). We sat and I had chicken noodle soup and hot chocolate wet.
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| The Garden at Moma. |
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| A painting in the Modern Art special exhibit. (don't know the girl) |
We had decided the night before that we were going to try and exchange the tickets from that nights rain out for tonight's game but it became apparent while looking out Moma's second story window that that was NOT going to happen. To add insult to injury later when we walked by a window and what do I see on the TV THE FUCKERS ARE PLAYING THE GAME???? Last night it didn't even rain tonight they played in it on a sloppy wet field with about five thousand masochistic fans in the stands. OF course my Aunt and Uncle were livid and me well I figure I have one more chance this year (tomorrows game is at 1:10 pm) or have already paid for next years tickets. OF course the weather forced us to change our plans once again and while we were slurping up our soup we decided to hightail it through the rain to Macy's ( or as I like to call it the MECCA of New York City) We got there around 5:30 and by the time we broke for dinner it was 8:30 and we hadn't even made it past the second floor. I bought one pair of Rachel Roy earrings ( saw quite a few things I liked but most I can get at home so I passed them by) and mourned the loss of a beautiful camel colored buttery leather L.A.M.B cross body bag that was to damaged for me to justify the price. I really hate how Macy's puts all of the bags in great big piles on those clearance tables and how people just push and pull their way through them not caring that they are ruining the bags. I saw a another bag I really liked by Patricia Nash that may come home with me on my next trip if I don't go crazy when I finally make it to the shoe department or the to I.N.C. I ended up feeding a few of my accessory obsessions but not all of them. I had hoped for more but I am doing my best to be good and not end up on a street corner when I arrive home cause I can't pay the bills so if it isn't a MUST have it is staying where it is at. I am after all only three days in with quite a few places to see (which cost) and shops to peruse. We ate dinner in the Cellar where I made myself an amazing salad filled with asparagus,artichoke and potato and pasta salads along with a few of the normal every day toppings. I had been annoyed because when we came in we had gone down to ask when the cafeteria closed and the girl said they didn't start packing up til near closing and of course when we got all of the hot items were already gone and they started packing up the salad bar as I was finishing up my container. But the salad was delicious so I partially forgive the lying wench, but next time I will remember to never believe what anyone tells you in retail. I should know I have spent 20 yrs lying to people. I am sitting here now typing this out at 11:30 finally dry and praying that tomorrow I I will not spend the entire day in the shower...
Day 4
For once the powers that be listened to my prayers granting me a day with no rain even though they made it just threatening enough to fear it may start at any moment. We made it without incident to the grounds of Citi Field and I ate another Sub (LORD HELP ME) and drank another egg cream and enjoyed the pitching performance of Jason Gee and a 1-0 win over the Nationals. Perhaps not 100% on the up and up due to a controversial out call in the top of the ninth but in the end a win is a win and I'll take it no matter the circumstance.
Spent the rest of the afternoon at Macy's this time actually trying on shoes and clothes and actually leaving the store with bags to somewhat justify being in the store so damned long.
Spent the rest of the afternoon at Macy's this time actually trying on shoes and clothes and actually leaving the store with bags to somewhat justify being in the store so damned long.
1 Pair of Unlisted Sandals
1 Baby Phat top ( NEVER saw that coming)
1 Rag and Bone top
1 Inc top
Back to the neighborhood where I enjoyed the first REAL MEAL of the trip having Spanish food ( pork chops ,red beans and rice, avocado salad tostones and sweet plantains) along with a pitcher of Sangria that left me tipsy and almost tripping my way into the elevator when we arrived back home. Never left the borough of Queens today but got a lot accomplished and am tired and a bit drunk but happy.
Day 5
Off to the island for a some discount designer shopping at Off Saks and Nordstroms rack. First stop though Macy's to hunt for the elusive MK jacket my Aunt had seen on a passerby and now wanted for herself. Despite the fact that they claimed to have three in store ( I had to explain to my Aunt how retail computer systems LIE) and checking every clearance rack and dressing room on the floor we didn't find it. Onward and upward despite the disappointment... Made it to the other mall headed to Nordstroms first. A pit stop was made at the Sunglass hut kiosk where we got a lesson in the difference between polarized and non-polarized shades. Saw a kick as pair of Prada's ( they stayed where they were) but they were surely lovely... Is it just me or are Sunglass Hut's like Starbucks in NYC, one on every corner?
What did I get during our excursion?
5 tops
1 pair of Sperry's
1 pair of Burberry sunglasses
1 pair of Coach sunglasses.
Back home for Chinese food,Chicken and Tomatoes. YUMO!
Day 6
Nye comes into New York from Delaware to spend the day in the city with me. It is actually SUNNY!!!! WHOOOOOO FREAKING HOOOOOOO!! We find a Starbucks in Penn Station, a must since we speak of the place all the time. Had a piece of pumpkin loaf and my Venti Chai. There is no better Starbucks combination ( am sure Nye will tell you the same thing about what she had lol). Then made a beeline to Times Square to see the Harry Potter Exhibition at the Discovery Center. I having not actually read the books I was not quite as knowledgeable as my friend but I did quite enjoy seeing all of the props and costumes used in the series. HIGHLIGHT!!!! Seeing Robert Pattinson's Cedric's Quidditch and Yule Ball costumes. I asked Nye when we got to the tux if she thought there was Rob sweat inside and whether on not we could get enough for DNA cloning. She of course thought I was strange (and probably no chance of getting what was needed) so I guess when it happens I won't give her one...
Directly across from St. Patrick's lies Saks 5th Avenue. A coincidence? Probably not. As many shopaholics must have need for the confessional and a pew to hold their purchases after spending a few hours in the hallowed halls of expensive shopping pleasure. Saks is a pipe dream for someone of my budget but it is downright sinful to spend time within just gazing upon the perfect precious fashion wonders of the world. We started at one side of the store gazing into the famous windows and then made our way in and up through the first 8 floors. HIGHLIGHTS: An beautiful Escada trench coat and one of my favorite Alexander McQueen dresses from this last season draped across displays so I could take pics.
After perusing most of the floors the call of the cupcake became to much to bare so we found another seat and opened the box to find two perfect chocolate and cream cheese frosted little morsels and with one more test of will power snapped a few photos before devouring them. I had waited a long time for that cupcake and I was not disappointed. Sometimes things really do live up to the hype. Only bad thing was when it was over. I will dream of those cupcakes until we meet again.
Headed downtown towards Rockefeller Center and along the way we found a Magnolia's bakery, a New York institution I had yet to go into and had always wanted to visit. The smell of yummy goodness that hit me when the door opened made my mouth water and my tummy growl and there was no way I was leaving there with out one of those scrumptious looking delicacies. Cupcakes safely in hand we walked the rest of the way to the rink area Rockefeller Center grabbed a set and gabbed away for a bit resting our feet and taking in the scenery.
Once we left the Rockefeller cafe area we walked across the street to St. Patricks Cathedral and went inside where a wedding was taking place amongst the numerous visitors that day. A beautiful building that holds great meaning for those of faith. I am not a religious person but I feel the pull of and am in awe of the wondrous beauty of the building.
After eating our cupcake we headed down 5th avenue and made our way to the Main Manhattan public library building ( seeing a very interestingly dressed crowd on one side of the street with pictures of Lady Gaga in their hands like they were waiting for her to come out of that particular building. Didn't wait to see if she actually was) which is currently celebrating it's Centennial and went inside to see a array of movies and memorabilia from the archive.
My favorite was a original publishing of a book by Charlotte Bronte along with her traveling writing desk. They also had works from Darwin, original music sheets by Beethoven and Francis Scott Key. Malcolm X Koran and James Audubon's prints of Northern American birds. We went into one of the reading rooms where you can use their computers to find books. Of course the first thing that came to mind was Twilight and of course Nye made fun of me so once I was done scrolling through the different Saga related items I went a bit more highbrow for her and picked Pride and Prejudice and just about lost my shit when Jane Austen's version was not the first thing listed. What was you ask? Well Pride.Prejudice and ZOMBIE's of course. Somewhere along the line the word smut came into the conversation so I keyed that in to and found quite a few entries. Left the computer on a Winnie the Pooh search since that seemed much nicer for the next person to find than SMUT...
When we left the library we walked past a long line of people waiting for a Chelsea Handler book signing. Since Nye didn't think she was that serious we continued along to Lord and Taylor and since I never had been in there either we decided to torcher ourselves some more and went inside. Much less expensive than Saks but still there were no buys. Saw a few Kate Spade handbags though that are totally going on the stalking list. When we left there and started back towards 34th street it of course........ OH COME ON NOW CAN'T YOU GUESS???? started to rain so we ducked inside a little cafe/diner called Jimmy's and had some salads and sprite's ( in the most interesting glasses I have ever seen sodas served in) and while we were there my best friend (who along with her lovely daughter) are looking after my baby girl kitty Abby sent me a text with a picture of her. I like the sap that I am started to cry in the middle of the restaurant. It was eerie that she sent it as I had been contemplating that morning asking her to send me a pic when she went by to see her but hadn't done it. Somehow she knew and sent me exactly what I needed. By the time we were through the rain had stopped and it was a half hour before her train left. Back to the station we went and got there with 15 minutes to spare but just as they were starting to board. I can not tell you how great it was to spend a day with my bud. We live so very far away from each other so it meant a lot that she was willing to spend the money to come down and see me. The day could have been more packed with sites but we stayed in a good general area and went to places where we could talk and relax and just enjoy the day.
After I left her I went into Macy's (yes again) this time making it to my floor ( not before getting all the way to floor 6 and realizing I needed to get a new visitor's discount pass.) and quickly worked my way though my favorite departments settling on a black rag and bone loose fitting v-neck top, a grey I.N.C sleeveless drawstring necked top with a pink and yellow flowered pattern at the top and a bright orange Calvin Klein Rain jacket. I know orange may not be every man's cup of tea but it is my favorite color and I can assure you everyone will see me coming whether they are looking for me or not. I was tickled pink to get it. A quick stop to floor three to look for the elusive khaki jacket my aunt saw on some woman in another store and out the door at 9.29 I went ( they close at 9.30 WTF??? is that on a Saturday night in the biggest tourist town in the country) and down the subway stair to head back to Queens. Of course the stop was under construction so I had to wait forever for the train I needed to arrive but my best subway friend the Ipod touch kept me company by blaring out the most recently added play list. I had to remind myself several times on the way back not to get to into the tunes or people would think I was nuts or having some kind of attach. Quick stop to the bodega to get everyone sodas and home I went to chat about the day with my Aunt and then look at the pile of shoes ( part of her day she spent cleaning out the closet) she planed to sell. I cried just a little on the inside over about 5 pairs. I want them badly but she is a size 9-91/2 and I can't do those as desperately as I want to. I am tired but it was a good good day. I wish they could all be like this.
P.S My Dad called to check in while I was still out. It is now 12:45 am and I realized I didn't call him back... Sorry Dad 0:(
Day 7
On the the island to see my uncle. Good food good conversation and a nice dose of approval. If there had been more people there I'd have kept most of what I said to myself because loose lips sink ships and you just don't talk about certain issues in mixed company unless you are sure everyone in the room agrees with your opinion. I ended up on the right side of things this time so all's well that ends well.
Day 8
Back into the city to the Cooper-Hewitt museum which is undergoing a major renovation at the moment so only two of the floors were open but what I wanted to see was their exhibit of Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry and so I did. They had over three hundred examples of their work some of which had been worn (and owned) by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor,Grace Kelly,Jackie Kennedy and Marlena Dietrich. I know they say that diamonds are a girls best friend but while I enjoy a nice shiny rock or two my favorite pieces usually star other stones. My favorite pieces in the collection were an emerald and diamond necklace, a Ruby and moonstone bracelet and a lapis lazuli bracelet. It was fascinating to see their process and learn of their innovations to the industry but more than anything it was lovely to see so many beautiful pieces together in one place.
Once finished we took a little walk in the park at the conservatory. People were running, children were playing,dogs were walking and ducks were bathing. It was an overcast day but not to threatening and the park is lush and green so at least all the rain has been good for something.
Once finished we took a little walk in the park at the conservatory. People were running, children were playing,dogs were walking and ducks were bathing. It was an overcast day but not to threatening and the park is lush and green so at least all the rain has been good for something.
We ate at a place called Jackson Hole and had a cheeseburgers and fries. It was probably the biggest hamburger I have ever eaten but far from the best. For some reason all of the burgers I have had over the years here in NYC fall short. I'd honestly rather have a five guys burger any day. Perhaps when I get home........
We made our way back to Macy's this time strictly for my Aunt who needed to do a return and try and find some pants. After about an hour she gave up that ghost so I fumbled through the jumble that is the 5th floor shoe department and left in a huff. In all my years of retail I have never seen anything so shitastic as the Macy's shoe department. When people complain at work about how nasty customers are about just throwing things about they really have no clue how bad it can get. I wonder how long they stay to clean that mess up after the store closed or if they even bother considering it will all be happening again the next morning. Any which way I know for a fact that I would NEVER want to work there. The staff looks frazzled and ready to kill and honestly considering the circumstances of their environment I can not blame them.
Observation : Letting your kid run up and down a subway car unattended may NOT be the best child rearing technique. The kid kept falling down and into people. He wasn't bothered by it at all. He'd get up and keep running but honestly I spent the whole time waiting for doom. The door in between cars to slide open or someone grabbing him and making a run for it when we came to a stop. It was a nerve racking experience and I wanted to slap his Momma silly.
Trend Alert : Turquoise colored nail polish. Saw it on fingers saw it on toes. Many different hues of the same bright color.
Day 9
Headed into the city on my own to visit the Natural History Museum they were having an exhibit on the largest dinosaurs that ever existed and a IMAX film on the oceanic reptiles of the three dinosaur time periods. I hindered my goals for the day by not paying attention and getting on the D instead of the B and expressed my ass all the way down to 125 street and then had to turn around go back to 59th cross over and do it again. This time getting on the local B. Once I finally made it there I didn't have time to see the exhibit on the brain as well so I had a salad and brownie at the cafeteria and made my way to the exhibits I had tickets for. The place was packed in places as usual there were a lot of kids there and the noise level is deafeningly annoying. But the silence of the theater saved me and while the some of the production of the movie was corny the animation of the different dino's were spot on and I enjoyed learning more about the variant kinds and when they ruled the oceans.
The other exhibit was more interactive but I found it rather boring and didn't spend to much time there. I wanted to go to the shop where I have found the most awesome pieces of jewelry over the years and today I got lucky again. I bought a really cool pair of silver agate earrings that made me smile from ear to ear. Unlike anything else I own and doubtful two many people will be walking around in them back home. I also had to make a pit stop at the Oceanic room to see the big blue whale. It is my favorite spot in the museum and per usual I went the wrong way and did a circle around the entire place before I found it. Take a left instead of a right next time Angel I mean really... I have spent quite a bit of time over the years sitting in the darkness of those two rooms enjoying the cool comforting sounds of the ocean and those who have inhabited it. Today it was a brief hello and see you next time then had to head out to meet my Aunt in the Bronx to view a showing of art being held at a gallery there by a family friend. The showing was entitled A Place to call home and the paintings where abstracts of houses she had seen in upstate new york. When I looked at them I saw small town life in the South,New Orleans specifically came to mind and I found that each place had it's own kind of energy. You could surmise the state of the household by the colors the house displayed. Some houses were carefree and open others were dark and morose. I believe that a home can take on a character of it's own and that who lives in it and how they treat the house can dictate whether the home is a happy on or not.
We left there came back to Queens packed up in the car to drive back to the island for a belated birthday dinner at Ruth Chris. I was a happy camper since it is one of my favorite places and this year I had begged off any type of birthday celebration and asked for cash. Fresh bread,Fried Ricotta cheese with a tomato basil sauce, a house salad with ranch dressing, a fillet minion with broiled tomatoes and creme brulee for desert. Fully satisfying meal and one of my very favorite places to dine.
Observation : If your feet stick out both the front and back of your sandals you are wearing the wrong size. There is no way you can not feel the earth ( in all it's incarnations) hitting skin that should be protected by a sole. I do NOT want to imagine what your feet look like at the end of a day running around in the city. Please for the love of all that is holy reconsider and by a bigger size.....
Day 10
The last big thing on my list was to see Daniel Radcliffe on Broadway in How to Succeed in Business and since this was my last day in the city it was now or never. We wanted to be near the Times Square discount ticket booth but not waiting around for hours so our first stop was Starbucks for a Chai fix while my Aunt went next door to the 42 street Regal theater to get our tickets to see Something Borrowed.
We walked around some more to be sure we knew exactly where our theater was and on the way there we came across Kiefer Sutherland who was signing for fans after the matinee of his show. We watched from across the street until he went back inside the theater and then headed down the street to the Hirschfield Theater and listened from outside to the show ending. We had hoped that Daniel would come out but were told he had to rehearse for the Tony's and never came out for the matinees even if he was available.
Disappointed we still had a few hours to kill so we heading into the subway headed to Macy's where my Aunt had a few errands while I did one last peak though the store looking for bargains. Believe it or not I bought nothing. It was time to say ado to my favorite shopping mecca for another year. I was pretty damned good this year normally I spend twice as much in Macy's. I've become a bit more picky and found some finds in other places this year. I am happy though with what I did buy.
A surprise entrance ( well to anyone who hasn't seen the musical before) brought Daniel into view and of course hardy applause filled the theater. I was just glad no one screamed out GO HARRY POTTER or something else stupid. If I heard someone refer to him as Harry one more time that day I was going to toss my cookies ( all over them of course). My friends know I am not a fan of the musical. I hate watching Movie versions and I adhoore people breaking out into song on TV for no reason so some may scoff at my choice. I will say most of my choices of shows are solely made by who is in them. If someone I admire in other mediums is on Broadway I will flock to see them. This year there was only one choice ( and there are ALOT of stars doing shows right now) Daniel Radcliffe and let me tell you he was absolutely amazing. He can belt out a tune and dance his little butt off and the rest of the cast which included John Larroquette blew me away. Musicals have their context, when you see them in the format for which they were intended it is a whole different totally enjoyable medium. This last day in the city was a banner one. I sent mental kisses into the night filled with bright lights and promise to return for more fun...
Day 11 I'm coming home I'm coming home Tell the world I'm coming home......
A 1:45pm Flight meant a morning of packing, a breakfast of eggs.bacon,home fries,tea and toast and the pain in the ass that is going through JFK check in and security. The hello's are always sweet and the good bye's bittersweet and with the traffic they are done quickly and my family goes back to their day to day lives and I spend two hours on the plane sitting next to a woman who clearly is still drunk and continued to drink the entire flight home and across from a man who thought it would be a good idea to eat a tuna fish sandwich in an enclosed environment. Another bag of the Linden's chocolate chip cookies and a can of sprite later we touch down at the old homestead ( right before ending of an episode of the show Hauntings the TVs cut off so I didn't get to see the resolution to the haunting. DAMN IT) My Dad greeted me at the baggage claim ( MIRACLES NEVER CEASE) and I was hit straight in the face by my old friend the Florida Heat. It may have rained most of my trip in NYC but the temperature was heavenly considering what I came back to. I am really NOT a fan of the heat and humidity of my home town... A trip to Olive Garden for an early dinner and then home to spend some quality snuggly time with Abby who didn't let me get up for hours and when she finally went off to take a cat nap I unpacked everything throwing the dirty clothes in the basket, hanging the new clothes and putting all of my goodies in their proper place. Once all traces of my trip had been erased it was time to catch up on everything else and let me tell you that is a major task. Your body and mind go into a different mode when you are away. I run yourself ragged without a second thought but once I'm encased within my own space again my inner workings fall out. The first week home has been a struggle to get my life back up to speed. To make myself go to work every day ( VACATIONITIS is a serious ailment) and I still have a stack of magazines and laundry to get done this weekend. But I wouldn't trade those 11 days in NYC for anything. I am already counting down the days til the next trip. 0;)
So now I have been back a week and I am finally finishing up this blog. There is a reason I am not more prolific at this. I am just to anal and spend way to much time but it is done and I am having a little laugh at myself at this very moment.
* note since no photo's were allowed within most of the exhibits I visited the photo's in this blog were taken from Google. The rest were taken by me. I am sure you will be able to tell the difference. 0:) *
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