Christmasblog
Life is winding down a bit and everyone’s pacing towards the holidays.
I don’t really like to feel crazy at this time of year so I have decided not to. I look at some friends who are pulling their hair out and stressing about the holidays and I don’t like the way it makes them feel so I try really hard not to do that myself.
Easier said then done---I don’t have kids to buy for or even a boyfriend, etc. But I also have to deal with a huge gap in my heart that isn’t filled by someone certain loving me and having someone to spend my xmas with no matter what. That’s a luxury that I hope, when I find that man, I really really appreciate.
It’s been a lovely holiday though. Kicked off with a trip to NY with sister, mom, sister-in-law two nieces and a teenage nephew. We had a ball---lady liberty, 9-11, some dumb store, then the subway, FAO (I skipped) and Apple store that I used to go to when I worked on the cruise ship and then ice skating in central park! That’s a pleasure. Walked through the plaza and then a little tiny bistro known as “TGI Fridays”. Everyday feels like Friday! Times Square at night felt like a movie set.
NJ hotel for the night then a morning in Chinatown buying cheap purses. My favorite quote was from Ben (the teenage nephew)—“Where are all the signs and stores in a language we can’t read? Isn’t that what it’s supposed to be?” This is right after we stepped out of the Chinatown starbucks (I got my splurge drink---skinny medium hazelnut latte—I refuse to call it a grande because that’s a dumb word for medium and I like to make the workers a little pissed off).
Little Italy, even with the man in his fur extolling the virtues of his establishment, using a clearly enhanced Italian accent (I’ve seen the drill before---I watched Fabio on top chef)---was a delight. The lights strung across and my mom and I were charmed by the Monastery of His Most Precious Blood (we prefer our priests to be francisican and, if possible, cousins).
http://www.mostpreciousbloodchurch.net/
Then, the second bakery—Ferraros! They had some pipe trouble in the back, but it was awesome. I said my adieus and walked the length of Eldridge street, something I’ve been wanting to do forever. Because, that’s my last name and there’s a street with the name, as well as NY’s hottest club—THE ELDRIDGE. I want to go there one day and see if they will just let me in because of my last name. Apparently, according to my employer publication, ST*R magazine, it’s Padma’s FAVORITE place in NY. Word up! When I meet Padma, we’ll have something to talk about.
I think Jeremy “The Piv” Piven liked it there, too. Until his Mercury Overdose/Career dive. It’s a FAKE bookstore front. Clever, no?
Then, cool hipster Sunday morning walk through SoHo. Oh that light going through the fire escapes! It’s really like a movie.
And then, I remembered how close I was to the lower east side tenemant museum. I’ve been wanting to go there for YEARS. So I did, and went on the tour of “The moores” led by a recent immigrant lady from Dublin.
Oh, it was amazing. It’s like every memoir come to life, that museum. And I love to see the places I read about. That was my secret dream for a while---to open a bookstore where if you were traveling, you could get a travel book, but also, get a novel set in the place you were going. Like, going to Florence? A room with a view for you! Off to San Fran? Amy Tan, please!
Then, met up with Pat and Mary and Megan for a trump through the upper west side and burgers and beers.
Finally, back to LGA.
Man, that took way longer then I thought! NY was awesome.
The following week was boss in town, and then Minny for a work party (super fun) and then out with the Red gals to see one of our own, Allison Bills on the Second City Main Stage (she was great, of course).
Last Saturday was my friend Jim’s Gay-versarry (10 years!) and then American Girl Store. Jim and Terry have a very fancy house and always cater, so that’s super fun.
Sunday was gym, and then something.
This week was work stuff, and I’ve been exhausted from the cold and another habit I’m trying to kick (fingers crossed!) and yoga potluck last night.
Today, love actually, buckeye dipping, laundry, calendar making, putzing around.
Tonight, Lis’ bachelorette party and tomorrow is another holiday party at an old old friends.
I am happy this season, which is nice.
Happy for my friends, for my family, for my home, for my job (mostly), for my creative life (anemic at the moment) and most of all, for a bit of time to chill out and enjoy it.
