Cha Ching. Sounds like Christmas!

Now that was mental. I just got back from my final Christmas shopping trip down Fifth Ave. Sweet Jebus…it’s CRAZY out there! They’re not just crowds of peeps…they’re swarms! And they don’t move independently, they flow together. So if you’re going in the opposite direction you need to make like a salmon and start swimming upstream. Exhausting!

Good news, all my shopping is done. Now just gotta figure out how I can smuggle import this stuff across the border. At least they’re Canadian customs guys. I always feel a bit more comfortable when I’m “homeward bound.” Not that the Yankee Guys are all that difficult (I mean, they only refused my visa once, deported me, frisk me every time I cross and give me the stinky eye every now and again). Really, we’re best pals!

To all of you who haven’t finished your shopping yet. No need to stress…there’s plenty of time before the 25th and I’m here to help.

LisaC’s list of Christmas Kickass!

Now we all have that completely impossible person on our lists (Dad). So if you’re still stuck with what the buy them, here’s an idea that’ll be exciting when you open it and (depending on metabolism) a few days later. Edible gold. Why? Because it passes right through you and makes your poop sparkly. Honestly, do you need a better reason? BUY NOW


For the political freak on your list (US that is) give them the gift that every Republican or Democrat has on their list – a Bush or Hillary toilet brush. Good clean, dirty fun…or something like that. BUY NOW




Ok this next one...I just REALLY want. Rock Band. If you don't know, you DON'T KNOW! File this one under awesome! BUY NOW






Have a great holiday ya'll. Tomorrow, last official work day (for me at least) of 2007. Bring on da holidays!!!

LisaC

Oh the weather outside is bitchin'

What’s shakin’ bacon? It’s a beauty day here in the 212. Sun is shining, weather is brisk and I’m going to a party tonight. Booooya! My friend Sarah is having a wee birthday do in Koreatown (she’s Korean). Which means I get to eat some kick-ass food…and have some authentic peeps educate me on what it is. Yes! Bring on the soju.

Only 2 more days till home time. WooHoo! I know blog posts are somewhat daily (ok, every two days) but this is your warning that they’ll be even CRAPPIER during the holidays. And for me…those holidays start this FRIDAY!!!

WooHoo!!

What else…umm, NY is mental with Christmas fever. People are crazier than ever with a glazed state of consumerism in their eyes (or I should say, more than usual). I’m so scared of Fifth Avenue. It’s a mad house down there. I went at lunch the other day and nearly lost an arm. Yikes! My personal favourite is watching people WAIT IN LINE to enter stores. Ser iously? Did we just get into a time machine into Russia 1945? WTF?!?!?

Happy (early) holidays everyone. More tomorrow and HOPEFULLY a wee little posty on Thursday (that night is the Big O holiday party. WooHoo!! Can’t wait…never been to a NY office party. Man, I can only imagine!)

- Went to the MET and bought memberships (we thought we were so clever buying the out of town membership, saved some dough AND get to go a bunch). Yes, jokes on us…admission ISN’T $20…that’s just the suggested DONATION. Boob is me! (or rather, I prefer to be a patron of the arts…yeah, that’s it!)
- Walked around (again). That seems to be our M.O. most weekends (oh yeah, Rico was in town). I swear if you calculated the miles we’ve logged since I moved here we’ve walked around this island five times…at least!
- Saturday – I’m sure I did something fun…just can’t remember what it was (see, it was THAT good)
- Sunday, see above.
- Monday – whatever…it’s Monday and I’m lowered to watching the most tragic reality show ever…it’s so bad I’m too embarassed to even mention the name of it. Post your guesses in the comment section. Hey, TV is my friend…I can’t stay mad at him!

Bring on da holidaze!
LisaC

Should I be worried?

One of the greatest things about living in the 212 is laundry – specifically having other people do it for you. Seriously. Just bring your skivies to the laundry matt (or if you’re REALLY lazy someone can come pick it up for you) they wash, fold and give it right back. Fabric softener, hang dry, low heat, warm wash…whatever tickles your towels, they’ll do it for you happily.

Here lies my issue. I picked up my laundry last night. (being a wee bit neurotic I make laundry time slightly more complicated. I frequent one place for cold water wash and another for warm as I’m convinced the warm place does everything on scalding since everything I get back is always shrunk. Not a move for pants – since the first time it happened I thought I was going to have to go on some horrible fad diet and seek emotional counseling for my dramatic weight gain. Not cute!)

But I digress. Last night was “cold place” clothes. Now, they have a policy that all your items are laundered by themselves and not “shared” with other peeps. NATURALLY, you can imagine my surprise when I found SOMEONE ELSES undies mixed in with my unmentionables. Specifically it was a rogue sock and some other chick’s underwear (relax, it’s all clean). But still…what the hell do I do now? Return the errand items back to the laundry matt? Hold onto them? Throw them out? How was this not made it into a Seinfeld episode?

Thoughts? Suggestions…please add a comment.

Tonight, Ricko is in town (yippee) and we have NOTHING planned (double yippee). Looking forward to spending a relaxing weekend together (2 weeks apart is not good for the soul).

Hope your weekend is just as enjoyable.
Stay warm and we’ll chat on Monday.
LisaC

Through sleet and snow...

My first Nor’easter is hitting the big apple this weekend. Très exciting. It’s not “officially” here, but we’re being pummeled by some freezing rain right now as I type, so even a walk to the corner store is an epic journey. Ahhh, feels just like Ottawa at Christmas time!


More fun…I’m being indirectly forced to listen to Josh Groban’s new Christmas Album here at work.Dear Santa. All I want for Christmas is a huge power surge to fry a certain computer’s mother board at a certain person’s desk. Oh and an iPod nano. That’s all. Thanks, LisaC

Suppose I should get into the spirit of the seaso n. But seriously…Josh Groban? Isn’t there some cool Christmas music out there (oh wait, that’s an oxymoron). Although one year my Dad gave me this cool Elvis jukebox Christmas ornament that sang two different Elvis holiday tracks. Now THAT’S how you get into the festive mood. It’s awesome…now he uses it to bug his employees over the PA system and force some Christmas cheer. So wicked!!! xoxo Dad.

Onto the drama that is my leg. Went to the doctor today (was an epic journey, see above). Good news, I’m not dying. Bad news, it’s weird that my hip is hurting me (someone at my young age – bless her for saying that – shouldn’t be experiencing hip pain). She did this funky move called the Pepper Grinder (sounds like something I should be bustin’ out on the dance floor). So now Rich has to do this “test” on me. (You think YOU have exciting foreplay!) If it’s still messed in the New Year, I get to meet a New York Orthopedist. WooHoo!

TV…yep, ANTM finale (whatever, I wanted Blondie to win, but Tulip head is cool too – ANTM fans…you know what I’m talking about). And Project Runway ruled…as always! Peace out Stephen!

Have a good Thursday night. Will attempt a walk to the gym (have to get back into that…yikes 2 weeks, I’m starting to look like a marshmallow). Maybe I can borrow that Josh Groban CD to help pump me up!

Hehehehe
LisaC

Boooo Internet

I was gonna put up this post yesterday, but just as I finished typing my Internet connection went the way of the dodo bird. Booooo. SO...apologies this is late (it TECHNICALLY isn't, but that's between me and my ISP!) hehehehe

Here it is...the day that was yesterday!

O.k. so I did it. I called my landlord. Breathe in. Breathe out. I’m freaking out cause my down the hall neighbour is convinced that MY neighbours are running a brothel out of their apartment. Ahhhhh. Of course this is me…Ms. Spazzy and the last thing I need is more fuel for the paranoid fire. Geez…Thankfully my landlord is on the case and he’s going to take care of things. Yippee!!! So if you don’t see a post for a few days…then please come by and check my place. I’ll probably be tied to a radiator, gagged and forced to watch Telemundo.

Onto happier topics. Jess was in town over the weekend. Good times. Went to my friend Hamilton’s birthday do on Friday, which lead to karaoke and you know what comes after that…a HUGE HANGOVER! Got home at 5:00AM. SERIOUSLY!? Was an awesome night, but I paid for it (perhaps a side effect of turning 30…no stamina).Me and Birthday Boy! (good times Hamilton...thanks!)

The rest of the weekend we ran around, shopped, chilled, shared conspiracy theories about my neighbours (thanks for being patient Jess) and shopped some more. All in all, a great visit. Thanks for droppin’ in sista!

Last night, more fun and merriment. There was a little get together for my team at the Big O. Very fun. So wicked to see the peeps you work with OUTSIDE of these crimson walls. Everyone had a blast. And there’s more fun to come. Tomorrow night, I get to booze with my account peeps (awesome) cause I don’t really know them very well. Ya gotta love social lubricant (dear God…I’m already regretting writing that word…why must it be so foul?!)Where we were supposed to go (a French Bavarian Bar called Rolf's. Apparently it looks like the insides of a Christmas tree...but this is how they do it up around "holiday" time). And no...you're not having a seizure. Do NOT adjust your set!

Then next week is the company Christmas party – sure to be a hoot (no…seriously!) I’m looking forward to see how the Yanks do up the “festive holiday party.”

Not much more to tell. Will let you know if I wake up with a horses head or something (from my neighbours!)

Thoughts. Comments. Suggestions. Always open here at lisacinnyc.
xoxo
Lisa

Frrrrrrrrrrrriday!

Sweet...friday, funday, weekenday. I'm just a wee bit pumped! Yep, good times ahead. Off to an old Digitas' friend's Birthday drinks. Then Jess and I will get up to some merriment I'm sure.

Other than that, it's been typy, type, type so I plan to do lots of sleepy, sleep, sleep.

Have a great weekend all. More Monday!
LisaC

Oh what a night

To say the least. Holy crap. So I wake up at 4AM with this WICKED pain in my leg and tingly, numbness down the entire limb – it’s bad enough that I can’t go back to sleep. Hmmm. Being a spaz I start thinking of all these horrible scenarios (blood clots that cause my entire leg to turn purple, having a stroke, heart attack…you name it). Did I mention I’m a spaz?

So…I deceide to take a wee trip to the emergency room. Jess is in town and was my fearless advisor (even offered to tag along…what a peach) but didn’t want to torture her with stinky homeless people and gun shot victims, so I did this one solo.

Tests, pokes, prods and 4 hours later I’m dismissed with a clean bill of health (and still a bum leg). No answers, but a prescription for Vicodin. Cool.

Have an appointment with my (now) doctor Thursday (yes, that’s a week away, oh well). So hopefully it’s nothing too major. Just feels super weird. You now when someone isn’t right, and you didn’t do anything odd (like bash your leg against the table). All armchair docs are welcome to report their diagnosis in the comments section.

In other news…Ms Willis is in town. Good to see her. I’m so glad she’s cool with “entertaining herself” since in the past two days she’s been here I’m either at work or the hospital.

Yes, work is mental. SUPER FUN but mental. Looks like it’s gonna be like this till the holiday break. Will only make the week off sweeter.

Hope you’re well. Thanks for being patient with my sporadic posting schedule. I’ll try for everyday, but as you can see…it’s a bit of an uphill battle.

Talk soon
Gimmpy aka LisaC

Gettin' Flagged

Yep, workin' like a goof! Was even here till 11PM on my birthday (good thing I got all my celebratin' out during YanksGiving!) SO yeah, I apologize dear reader, but this post is going to be more of a visual homage to the weekend that was (which was AWESOME!) How's this...we'll have the blog's first interactive post. I'll uploadd the photos and YOU guess the events. Weeee

Bid'ness - tomorrow Jess is in town visiting till Monday AM! (that'll make it 3 early morning wake-up calls in a row, at least I can always go back to bed. Phew!) Me and Mondays...we certainly do have a unique relationship. Oh and I've inherited some weirdo who likes to hit my buzzer at 3AM. I was convinced he was going to kill me the first time ("Is that a police radio I hear...OMG, is that a HATCHET??) But thankfully, it was only my insane imagination.

So...the weekend in pictures (just think of it as the New York Times a la Lisa photospread!)
More tomorrow,
LisaC

SATURDAY...THEN...FINALLY... SUNDAY...THEN...FINALLY...

Indeedy it does...

There's no denying it...today is the day. Thanks for all the well wishes. So sweet of ya'll to remember (or have Facebook remind you...either way...sweet!)

It MUST be a good day cause we had the most EPIC Portfolio breakfast at work today (they have these to "bribe/interest" us in using particular photographers). The real joke being...as a copywriter my influence is about negative one. Whatever...the grub was wicked! You know when you see the cans of Sterno, there's gonna be SOMETHING good!

What is up today. Well...getting ready for this Six Flags meeting to be honest, so not the most epic of b-day celebrations tonight (to be honest, probably just going to the gym) but I brought that on myself. Was going to plan a little shindig, but knew I'd probably have to work late. And there's nothing suckier than cancelling plans at the last minute. So instead of being a giant Birthday Jerk...I deceided to side step the whole thing! Lame...perhaps. Polite...indeed!

Will let you know if any more birthday merriment comes my way, but suffice to say, after the weekend I've had, I'm nearly all celebrated out.

30...onwards and upwards!
LisaC

P.S. All you 30'ers out there...got any wisdom, advice, words of encouragement. Feel free to post them in the comments section. Need to make sure I start 30 on the right foot!

Recap'age

Boy, do we have a lot of catching up to do. Sorry I crapped out yesterday and couldn’t update the blog. It’s a wee bit mental here at the Big O. I’m working on this new campaign for Six Flags. Good times…super fun. But also, TONS o’ work. What can you do, I’m a slave to “the man!” hehehehe

YanksGiving. WOW, best one yet! (and that’s not just because it was the first one either). We did the birthday celebratin’. Had the whole fam’damily around, including Nic, Paul and Calvin…our new newly adopted brother from another mother.The weekend began in the wee hours of Wednesday night. Yep, I got off the plane at 10PM and we were on the road to the O-town by 11. Dog, Rich and everything else locked and loaded into the Civic (go Honda Power!) You see there was this big massive storm a’ brewin’ so we figured we’d get ahead of it and hit the road early. Good plan. Despite getting in at 3:30AM, we beat the madness of 401 hell and the 20cm of snow and freezing rain that covered Southern Ontario. Phew.

Thursday – Rich and I continued our driving holiday with a birthday trip out to Montebello. Ahhh, what a peach. He planned the whole thing. A lovely dinner, great setting and incredibly relaxing evening (complete with a couples massage the next day). Thanks George and Evelyn!
Friday – We headed out to Hudson (again, I think the only day we DIDN’T drive was Saturday…well, unless you count snowmobiling?) We met with our wedding photographer (only 13 months after the event…whatever) to put together an album. FINALLY can check that off the list. Will add some shoots to the site when I get them (in another 12 weeks or so…yes, don’t hold your breath!)

After that the fam organized a surprise dinner for me in Montreal. So sweet. Met everyone at 40 Westt (a wicked steak place on the west island…yeah, who would have thunk it?) Complete with a jazz band and everything. A wonderful evening (topped off by some pretty spectacular gifts). Thanks so much everyone…you made the big 3-0 a memorable one!Saturday – Hung out at the cottage, played Guitar Hero 3 (awesome, thanks Amie) and drove the snowmobile around…also good times!
Sunday – Home day...(well…Toronto home that is). Sad but true, all good things must come to an end.

Monday – flew home (6:45AM this time a wee bit more respectable…but not by much). Then straight to work. Three coffees later, I’m home by 8PM and in bed by 9. Yes, I’m a party girl indeed. Those early mornings really knock the stuffing out of you. But I THINK I’m getting more used to it. Hey…I stayed up a whole extra hour this time!

Tuesday to Today – Just been workin’ like a fool. But it’s great. I love the project we’re doing and keeping my fingers crossed that we get to do more cool stuff. When it goes live you KNOW I’ll be pimpin’ that shiz all over this site (you’ve been warned!)

Hope you’ve all been doing well. Apologies for being a bit scattered in my posts this week. But I know you understand…after all, tomorrow is my birthday and you CAN’T be mad at a birthday girl right?!

OHHH and it’s BTVNE (that’s my new acronym for the Best TV Night Ever) so curl up and pop some corn. Enjoy!
LisaC

I haven't forgotten...

Just still comin' back to reality after my luxurious 4 days off...umm umm good. Lots to catch up on (but of course can't do it now). Will try to steal a few minutes here and there all day to get you back up to speed.

Today's lesson topics:

1. Birthday Weekend Extravaganza
2. Montebello Magic
3. Cottage Follies
4. Saskie Pride

Now open your books to page 20 - Montreal driving directions and we'll start right after lunch.

And remember class, there WILL be a pop quiz on this!
LisaC

YanksGiving Eve

Man, I thought things would be MENTAL today. And don’t get me wrong…it kind of was. All the peeps (or rather the 8 people who showed UP for work today) were giddy with anticipation. The streets were MOBBED. Plus, every single one of those folks were carrying a GIANT bag. Perhaps someone can help me out with this. There must be some new fashion wave called “Grandma Chic” cause all these sassy looking girls are carrying around these hideous quilted bags. Please turn to exhibit A.On the train, subway, airport, it doesn’t matter. These gals will drag these monstrosities anywhere. I’m still waiting for one of them to pull out their crocheting while in transit. hehehhee

But back today’s task at hand…FLYING! Uugghh, the newspapers, the newscasters EVERYONE has been freaking out all day, so I sharpened my elbows early and prepared for full contact. Thankfully, it wasn’t necessary. The train to Newark was civilized, busy but not stupid. Then the AirTran (a monorail that takes you from the New Jersey transit train platform to the terminals) was again, busy, but not dumb (as a side bar…I love the AirTrain cause I’m convinced they got the guy who played Data on StarTrek did the voice, it’s an uncanny resemblance. See what you think. Just play the first 10 seconds of the below clip over and over again)



Now for the coolest part of my YanksGiving travel plans…flyin’ Bidness Class! Hells ya people. This is the way air travel SHOULD be. Free food, free beer, comfy chairs and all the CNN can you handle. Tasty. Actually, I’m writing this post from United’s lovely lounge, taking full advantage of all the snacks available to me, not to mention the ones I’ve already stuffed into my bag. Geez, better save some room for some Executive Class fare on the plane. I wonder what they can serve up for a 58 minute flight?

Tomorrow Rich and I are off to Montebello for my “not really a surprise” birthday present. We’re having dinner and spending the night in the log cabin inn. I even bought a sassy new dress for the occasion. Yes, our second honeymoon! Looking forward to it, although I hear there’s going to be 20 cm of snow tomorrow…perfect driving weather n’est pas? Uugghhh.

Anyway, will try to write during the holidays (how I’ve adapted!) but might be a bit sketch. So…if you’re celebrating, Happy YanksGiving. If not, happy “almost” weekend.

Take Care
LisaC

P.S. Did get the hair "done" but sorry, don't have my cable for my camera, so will upload a pic next week...for a proper before/after evaluation!

Can you feel it?

P.S. 50 seconds in is where it really starts to kick ass!! HeBen (thanks)

My favourite part is when Michael opens up his hands and all that glittery crap comes out. Ahhh, MJ…why does it hurt so bad to love you? Side note – I was/am (it’s tough to say, the Michael of today isn’t the boy I feel in love with all those years ago) a HUGE Michael Jackson fan. As a kid I had a MASSIVE poster of him from the Billie Jean video over my bed. I had the glove, a sweat suit skirt thing that looks like his red leather get up from the Thriller video (it was the 80’s nuff’ said) Oh and somewhere Dad found the Thriller video (on VHS of course) including behind the scenes making of footage. WOW…I nearly died. And of COURSE the albums, tapes (which I rubbed all the writing off of since I listened to it so much). You get the picture…but onto the post at hand.

Something is in the air. And I’m not just talking about the ordinary funky smells here in NY, this is HUGE. YanksGiving is just around the corner and the city couldn’t be more pumped…or agitated or spazzy. Yep, all the joys of the season are palpable. The best part is I get to enjoy the full Yankee Citizen experience when I fly home tomorrow. Ahhh, good times. The delays, the crying children, the crowded airports. Just when you think your day couldn’t get any worse, think of me festering for at Newark for 4 hours, praying to the Gods of Air Traffic Control. My only saving grace is that I got my ticket on points and it’s Business Class. WooHoo!! Lisa 1. YanksGiving Hell 0 (so far). This way I can eat sweaty cheese in the lounge and drink crappy wine. Umm, just like a Public Library mixer. Lovely!

But before the fun begins I’m off to get my hair did. Gotta look good for the anti-holiday n’est pas? Plus, it’s my birthday coming up (it’s no biggie, I’m trying to keep it rather low-fi). I suppose that’s the only thing we’re celebrating this weekend (driving up to the O-town on Thursday for some family fun – which has now been translated into Guitar Hero time. AWESOME!)

Actually…here’s a pic of my sister raiding my “give away clothes pile” and rockin’ out Hulk Hogan style. Brings a tear to my eye…my budding prodigy.
Before I forget peep the pic, so you can properly evaluate tomorrow’s style. The before (extra crappy so the after will look extra wicked!) Tomorrow the magic.Till then, Happy Tuesday.
LisaC

A Wonder Autumn Night

Breathe in. Breathe out. Holy Crap. There aren’t enough words to describe the enormity of the event I witnessed this weekend. Let’s rewind.

Picture it, Saturday night. NYC. Jeff, Rich and myself all have tickets to go see the sold-out show, Stevie Wonder at Madison Square Gardens. HUGE! I’ll try my darndest to give you a clear mental picture of what it was all like since there was no photography CLEARLY printed on the ticket and I was too much of a namby pamby to actually smuggle my camera in. Last thing I needed was for it to get confiscated by “The Man.” But I digress…

Stevie was AMAZING. He sounded just like the albums, but better. Plus, he only played the kick ass old tunes. (No offense to his new stuff, but seriously Superstition blows away any other song he might have penned in the last 10 years!) There was so much soul in his voice and his playing, it brought my love and appreciation for the man to an even Higher Ground! (sorry, couldn’t resist).

Nuff’ said…the show ruled (complete with audience participation, like making the men and the women in the crowd sing different harmonies on Ribbon in the Sky and he even asked us them to join in on a countri’fied version of Signed, Sealed, Delieverd). So cool!!!

Sounds like a pretty amazing show eh? Well, this is Mr. Wonder and you certainly don’t get a name like that for just being mediocre. Un huh. Just when you think it couldn’t get any more awesome…Stevie dials the amps up to 11. Let me explain.

The entire concert was an homage to his recently deceased Mother. So he started the show by dedicating his performance to her (along with taking a moment of silence to recognize the 9/11 victims). Midway through the concert Stevie begins to tells us a bit more about his Mom and how she had two favourite signers, Ella Fitzgerald and our next guest…TONY BENNETT! Yeah, the crooner himself came on stage and sang For Once in My Life with Stevie. He’d just performed the song at its proper tempo, but when Mr. Bennett came on stage, they reprised it with a slow, smooth, jazzy quality. Pure magic!



(not the best quality, but hey...at least gives you an idea. Thanks YouTube and jvphish)

The show continues with one hit after another. Then, as we’re nearing the finale Stevie, fires up the keyboard with an EXTRA funk’tified version of Superstition. The crowd goes mental. Suddenly, out of nowhere, PRINCE shows up playing the guitar. SERIOUSLY! Symbol guy…Purple Rain…WOW! Check out the clip!



Needless to say, it was one of the best (if not securing the top spot) concerts I’ve ever seen in my life. And it all ended as beautifully as it began with a poem written to his Mom and a plea for everyone to put aside their difference and remember the importance of family, love and compassion.

Stevie Wonder is love and Saturday night was a shining example of it.

WOW.
LisaC

P.S. Wanna get the snooty? Here's the NY Times take.

Ils Pluie

Despite my homesickness (hey, we all have our days) there are a lot of things I really like about New York. One of them being watching New Yorkers when it rains. PRICELESS! As you can imagine, any minor varient in an otherwise normal day will inevitably throw the city into complete chaos...so funny. I had no idea a few inches of rain were so tramatic...but apparently subways shut down (more due to poor infrastructure, but still!) and it's IMPOSSIBLE to get a cab. So here's my top 10 reasons I love NY when it rains....

10. Watching people use ANYTHING for shelter
Garbage bags, newspapers, dogs...WHATEVER...you'd think it was kryptonite falling from the sky. SERIOUSLY people??!?!


9. Dogs
Heheheheh there's nothing funnier than seeing this perfectly put together person (men or women, because they BOTH put a lot of effort into their daily attire here.) And as they're fashionably sauntering down the street their designer muts are COMPLETELY soaked...heheheheh. But I guess at the end of the day, it's the maid's problemanyway. Sigh.


8. Rain Boots
OMG where do they come from? As soon as there's a cloud in the sky every woman in town has her rain boots on. And they're not some big, ugly, green wellys. We're talking cute little fashion boots in plaid, polka dots, zebra strip, whatever.


7. Umbrellas
O.k. this is not a problem unique to NY but thought it was worth mentioning anyway. What makes people think that's it's cool to use a GOLF UMBRELLA on city streets? Seriously...we're not walking the back nine here people...it's midtown Manhattan, why must I dodge your 7-foot wide umbrella when you're only 5'1 and 112 pounds? So annoying!


6. It's glisteny
When it rains at night, or actually when it's just stopped, the whole place is under this gossimer sheen. So cool To witness this effect you need to see it at night, when all the lights play off the reflections. Who new a street festooned with garbage could be so beautiful?


5. The sounds
Sure this isn't unique to the city, but listening to the sound of the rain hitting your umbrealla (or car, or window or nearly anything for that matter) is quite relaxing and when you sit back to enjoy it, gives you a peaceful feeling like none other.


4. The Rivers
Actually this is another thing I despise, but worth noting that NY must have the WORST storm drain system in the world. Like clockwork as soon as the showers begin, the massive floods of water start pouring down city streets. It's like a mini tsunami, which takes some fancy footwork to get around. Uugghhh.


3. News Reports
Maybe it's me, but growing up in Saskatoon THEN in Ottawa I'm no stranger to bad weather. But here, if it's gonna rain, you're gonna hear about it. And not just in passing ("Oh and we'll see some showers today"). No no. It's like going to def con level 4. Sirens, red alerts. It's like the weatherman turns into an army general, preparing his troops to go into battle. Man, I can't wait to see when it snows. Teehheeee.


2. Time
If it's raining you can bet that EVERYTHING will be late. People coming to work, subways, car services you name it. But the cool thing is, no one really gets too anxious about it. After all, it IS raining!

1. Staying Inside
I know, I'm lame, but staying in when it's all crap outside is the absolute best thing in the world. Especially when you get to enjoy it with someone grand (Miss ya Rico!) Pop some popcorn, open up your latest NetFlix envelope and let the storm clouds pass.

Hope the weather is great where you are. Stay warm.
LisaC

OMG ANTM & PR BEST TV NITE EVER!

OK I"ll admit it, I'm a wee bit excited about sitting in front of my wee little TV set and enjoyed a plentiful 3 hours worth of quality programming. (God bless my free cable!) The fun begins with ANTM (in case you're not as much of an addict as I am...that's short for America's Next Top Model). Yes, it's drivel and yes, I don't care. The silliness, the anorexia, I love it all.

9:00 is kind of my interlude, that's when Gossip Girl starts. Also another highly entertaining CW contribution, but not on my "Must See" list, but have enjoyed tuning in when I can. If you haven't watched it, it's Hollywood's version of New York City (as told through the eyes of some seriously rich little twits). But it does make me giggle, especially when they do such impossible things, like open a cab door into oncoming traffic (a death sentence if I've ever seen one).

THEN...10:00 is when the REALLY big show starts. Project Runway. CAN'T WAIT!!! Man, LOVE that program. I like to think that when I'm addicted to reality shows that actually require some SKILL it's a wee bit more respectable than the other crap out there (sorry to all you other crap watchers). Hopefully will be just as entertaining as the previous seasons.

So that's it, my sad little world of work, sleep and TV. What can I say, I'm living the New York dream (heheheh). YanksGiving is just around the corner. Looking forward to going home (shouldn't you get BETTER with homesickness the older you get?) And yes, that leads us to our next subject...AGE! I'm looking down the slippery slope to 30. I know...still young...I shouldn't complain ( this is NOT an official greivance...yet). But it is a bit freaky to have to change BOTH numbers. I've been so comfortable with that "2" at the begining of my age for so long, to have to notch up to a 3 is gonna take some practice. At least I've still got a few weeks to get my head around it. Will keep you posted.

Stevie Wonder concert this weekend, and Rich is coming into town, so I promise some fun NY stories soon (I fear they've been sadly lacking lately...sorry).

Oh, one little piece of news. I saw Chris Rock the other day...AT WORK!? Yeah, he walked right into the big O and past me in the hallway, very bizarre. Might start a running tally of all the celebs I've seen so far (which really isn't that many, unless you count Nick from Project Runway Season 2 - I think I saw him on the street). Anyway, will keep my eyes peeled.

Coolness...get the popcorn ready, it's gonna be an EPIC night of nothingness!!!

Talk soon,
LisaC

Third Times a Charm

Yes, this is my third Monday in a row that I've dragged my sorry behind into work and tried to be productive. But The 4AM wake-up is a bitch! Although I am getting used to it, in some sick demented way. God...how bizarre is that.

Props to Witold for showing me all these different blog sites, might look into moving my little slice ofthe Interweb over there, but no worries, will let ya'll know what I'm up to.

Right...so what did I DO all weekend...well, hung out with Mr. & Mrs. Andrew (Rich's folks). Good times. They came down to visit for the weekend (thanks for makin' the trek guys!) We ate, drank and were merry. AND we even hit up the TSO for a concert and visited George's old classmate - from the "Old Country" (Scotland) in London (ON...of course! It's funny doing that distinction here in NY...people just kind of look at you weird. Anyway, the peeps were super nice and we had a great lunch in Jolly London Town (and a nice 4 hour round trip in the car, weeee).

When we got home we were so rev'ed by all the tunes on the radio (not really, but makes for a good segue) we felt the need to ROCK OUT with some Guitar Hero! Hellls Ya!!! It's truly a game that bridges generations. Perhaps GH is the solution to all the world's problems. Mr. Pakistan...pick up a Fender and play a little Guns n' Roses, I promise it'll make ya feel much better!

George Givin' Er. Notice Happy in the background. He's playing the game too...with his LASER EYES!)

Honestly, that's the weekend in a nutshell. Nothing too much more on the go. This week...more good times. Workin' with Ms.CiCi (awesome) on some Six Flags (double awesome) so life is good!

More chats later, thanks for cutting me some slack. A lame post, but it's a Trans-Border Monday...so your patience is appreciated!

Cheers All,
LisaC

Merry Friday

OMG, why do I find these pictures so damn funny? I've made an executive decision (yes, the power. The control. It's all mine to abuse!) Whenever I can't find an appropriate picture for a post, I'm gonna head over to icanhascheezburger.com and find a pic that makes me giggle, like this one....oh my sides. (thanks for the pics "ican"...hope you don't mind?)

Meanwhile back in people land...it's that sweet, wonderful time of year (and week). First, let's get the business out of the way first. Heading home (tonight). Hanging with Rich, Happy and his folks (not necessarily in that order). Yeah! But flying out of JFK (booo). It's funny...this is actually the first time I'll ever be flying OUT of that airport, hmm. I'm guessing the experience will be just as heinous as flying INTO the place. Joy!

Onto the fun stuff. It's that magical time of year and since it's just around the corner, I thought I'd start taking pictures of all the fun "holiday" things that are popping up all around the city. Last night, I was walking through Columbus Circle (if you're unfamiliar with this area, it's just next to Central Park, around 8th Ave & 62nd'ish street). I love, love, LOVE it around there!

So on my promenade back home from the gym, I took a few snaps of the twinkly trees outside the "mall" (or at least the closest thing you get to one in Manhattan) as well as come decorations inside. Ahhhh....
In the next few weeks I'll get shots of Rockafeller Center (the Tree lighting is Nov. 28 - thanks for the heads up Mom!) as well as other spots throughout the city. Got a place in mind, or heard of a pretty holiday display. Drop me a comment and let me know, I'll run by and take a pic to share with everyone.

Have a great weekend ya'll. And before you leave for your fun...I'll give you my Friday Confession. Walking home last night, bundled up in my new red coat (thanks for the hook up Jaime, let me know when that Macy's bill comes in!) I had a moment of bliss, a sense that maybe I can hack it out on this insane island. Life suddenly felt a little more comfortable and a little less spooky. I was the same rush I felt when Mark and I stepped off the plane in January (coming here for work). Who knows, maybe it was the cold, (after all, cold = home) but things are just a bit easier now. I'm definately not a New Yorker (and will never be one) but for today, at least I feel a little less like a visitor.

Enjoy the weekend. Stay warm and talk to ya post 4AM wakeup call on Monday - oi!
Lisa C