Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Tejas Part 2

Ok soooo waking up in San Antonio!!  Wahoo!  The weather could not have been better the whole time I was there - it was just picture perfect!  Here's a little summary of my stay in the big SA.
Wednesday
I got up, had coffee with Hazel and we chatted a bit.  She had to go to work, so I just hung out for a bit and then headed out.  I went and got a great mani/pedi.  Don’t worry I was helping all the workers with their translations.  They kept running up to me with their new iPad and asking questions on meanings and pronunciation.  Basically I was in there for about 2 hours and most of it was spent in "classroom mode". I loved every second - and my mani is still intact which is quite amazing.  I got this color - which I'm completely obsessed with!

Then I had a great little "hometown" lunch at this place called "EZs".  

Loved all the local watching! They even had sweet potato tater tots - I'm sorry - don't mind if I do!
Now I needed a little relaxation station.  Hazel has a pool at her apartment complex, so I took myself over there and laid out for a few hours.  I'm reading Mindy Kaling's (Kelly Kapour from the Office) latest book - it's hilarious.  

So it has been keeping me quite entertained!
Hazel got home from work a little early, so we were able to head out to a low key happy hour.  It was so nice, we sat outside at a wine bar, had a glass of wine, got all caught up!  It was great.  Then we went to this great Mexican place for dinner - so delish.  We got home watched a little TV, then we both crashed. I think we were both still exhausted from the late night before!
Thursday
Another amazing day!  I went with Hazel to her office and then we went downtown together.  She had a work event/meetings, so it worked out well.  I took myself to the Alamo - where it all went down!  It's not too crazy exciting, BUT it's history, so my dad was thrilled that I went.  
Then I walked along the Riverwalk - it's just so adorable.  If you've never been to San Antonio - the Riverwalk is an area of the city.  It's this stretch of the river and on either side of it there are a ton of little restaurants and shops.  They all have outdoor seating and it's just so cute.  Here's a little picture:

I grabbed lunch outside, read my book, watched people, may or may not have had a margarita.  It was so nice and relaxing.  Then I went to a park and read until Hazel was done with her meetings. 
Thursday night she had a work happy hour that I attended - I'll have to give you more details on that one tomorrow!  Duty calls and I need to get back to work!!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Just My Life For The Past Week...

Howdy!  So I know I've been absent for a little while - BUT for good reason - I was on a mini-vacay!!  I went out to good 'ol Tejas to enjoy some great friends, good food & fabulous drinks!!  So I'll break it down for you - prob in 2 parts.  OH and I also saw Isabella in Philly - I'll do that first - ok I'm scattered!
Philly - The City of UNbrotherly Love
Let me break this down for you in bullets, so this post isn't like 8 pages long.  Basically I went for the weekend - got in Friday night/left Sunday morning.  Here are  few takeaways:
-We went to this little hole in the wall Mexican place for dinner  with my brother & his fiancé.  It was hilarious - there was insane décor all over the place, they were playing Frank Sinatra, there was only room for about 20 people.  It was hysterical.  The waiter helping us had tinted glasses, hair slicked back, a white cowboy-esque type shirt on, denim faded jeans and a smile that wouldn't quit.  About half way through our dinner a private party rolled through and they were basically kicking us out.  The food was good, though and I had a fantastic grapefruit margarita!!
-Saturday was spent wandering around and shopping.  Just loving the gorg weather on St. Patrick's Day in my Ireland shirt.  UNTIL some homeless woman yelled this to me - in front of all of Philly - "YOU'RE NOT IRISH - YOU'RE A WHORE!"  Oh ummm ok.  So that was fun.  God I just LOVE Philly!!
-We then went out to a bar to join the rest of the city in SPD debauchery.  We got to the 2nd place and eventually got a few seats at the bar.  It was great - we just hung out, watched people, drank some beer, had a few laughs.  The perfect way to spend the evening!  UNTIL some guy comes rolling up next to me and is immediately angry.  Like before he even got to me, he hated my guts.  This was our exchange (may be slightly altered - but no joke this is basically how it went):
Me:  (sitting quietly drinking my beer - chatting with Isabella & her friend.)
Guy:  I'm a male nurse.
Me:  Cool
Guy:  I work in the operating room and see heart surgery.
Me:  That's great.
Guy:  You don’t even know - I'm better than the surgeon.
Me:  Oh really? (really not trying to engage or wanting to talk to him)
Guy:  I hope have a heart attack die.
Me:  Umm that's a little aggressive and unnecessary.
Guy:  You don’t even know how great I am as a male nurse and in the operating room, basically I'm the best in there - above the surgeons & doctors.
Me:  Ok - well I'm just going to drink my beer and pretend you're not an awful human being.
Guy:  If you had a heart attack you'd be transported to my hospital because it’s the best.
Me:  Welp I don’t live here, so there's that.  Please just stop talking to me.

Eventually Isabella's friend stepped in with some choice words and he vanished.  
-We were home, ordering dinner by 9:30 pm.  Period.  

-Sunday we got up, grabbed breakfast & went to drive me to the train station.  Isabella's car wouldn't start.  Womp womp - battery died.  Had to grab a cab.  Train ride back was uneventful.
Back in the good 'ol NYC
Giuliana & I saw 21 Jump Street when I got back.  Let me just say - I basically peed my pants.  Like I haven't laughed this hard in a movie prob since Bridesmaids.  It was stellar.  I actually have to go and watch it again because I’m sure I missed things on account of my laughter.
Off to Tejas I Go...Can't wait to see Hazel & Hermione (btw - this was her choice for a name)!!
I left Tuesday night.  I was basically running through the airport for absolutely no reason and got to my gate in a full out sweat patrol.  Oh don't worry - I just had to have my dermatologist prescribe me prescription strength deodorant (fingers crossed it works)!  I grabbed some dinner and the off I went.  I sat next to this high school/college boy who was quiet as a mouse - so I was thrilled!  And I flew JetBlue, so I didn't even have to miss out on my evening shows!  Amazing!  I got to Austin and Hazel was there to fetch me.  It was really late so we just headed right back to San Antonio to her new apartment!  LOVE - and she a new puppy which is adorbs!  We pretty much went right to bed - we were both exhausted! 
Ok so I'll pick up here tomorrow!  The adventure continues!!! 

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Ummm...No Thank You

So let's discuss what happened to me today.  I went to this place called Dishes for my salad at lunch.  It's a great place if you live in NYC - salads are fab and the food is always fresh/good.  I got my salad, went to pay, asked for an iced tea.  They told me to pick it up on the other side of the counter.  It was jam packed.  So I walked over, was waiting and being awkward (shocking) as others tried to get around me. Finally it came I had to reach to get it and the guy behind me kindly helped a sister out.  I thought - well that was nice and proceeded to walk outside.  Next thing I know he's standing next to me at the cross walk and begins to ask me like 20 questions (what do you do, what are you eating for lunch, how do you like your job, etc.).  I was trying to be nice and friendly - but I really wasn't in the mood.  Eventually the light turned and we had to walk across the street together.  Again I was being nice and praying that we didn't have to continue this for the next like 4 blocks.  So I started going left and I could see he thought about following suit, but then was going right and yelled out "can I buy you a drink sometime" - I politely replied - "no thank you" head down and walked the other way. 
SOOOO here's the thing.  1. I'm incredibly awkward when it comes to situations like this.  2.  The whole way back to my office I thought - did I really do the right thing??  3.  Beggars can't be choosers HOWEVER I feel like I also thought it was pretty bizarre.  4.  I was reassured by 2 friends that I did in fact make the right decision considering he looked to be 40+ years old, had an accent I couldn't understand and I swear to GOD resembled Larry from the 3 Stooges.

So I'll leave you with that image.  Thank you and Good Night!  XOXO

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

FEVER in the morning...FEVER All Through The Night...



Well unbeknownst to me - I'm getting a lil spring fever-y.  Not to be confused with Bieber Fever.  I thought I might share a few of my new spring obsessions!!  Looking forward to it being warmer and taking advantage of this gorg weather!!
Nail Call - haha - I just thought of this - and it has to be to the tune of "MAILLL CALLL".  I crack myself up.  Ok so here are a few new hues that I'm loving.  I just had both of these on my toes/fingers and I'm thoroughly enjoying! 
This is "Acrewed Interest" - it's a perfect peachy/nude.

This is "Ole Caliente" - it's a orangey/pink - goes with everything!

I'm also excited about some of the new OPI collection - The Holland Collection…
"Dontcha Just Love OPI" - LOVE the purple!

"Kiss Me On My Tulips" - Well first I love tulips and second - OBSESSED with pinks!

Benefit - So a few weeks back I was getting my eyebrows threaded and I was at the Benefit Brow Bar. There I was introduced to 2 products that I think are worth noting.  I'm pretty much a strict Bobbi Brown/Clinique kinda girl, but I was enticed by these 2 products:
This mascara really does lengthen and make your lashes pop.

Perfect for under eyes & blemishes.

Clothes & Shoes - my favorite section!  Here are a few new items I've added to my wardrobe this Spring!
I got these "Cafe Capris" from JCrew - I chose black.
This is what they look like on the model - shockingly this is not me.


I've been lusting after Nude pumps for 3 years and finally bought these Cole Haan Air Violet 60 - AMAZE 
An adorable Banana Republic - perfect for work - love the grey.
Another great Banana skirt - I actually got in navy & khaki - totally love the stretch fit.



I'm always in need of white button downs - this one is great from the Gap

Haven't bought these yet - waiting for Bloomies Friends & Family - but a great heel from Tory Burch - love the peep toe.
5" Chino Shorts from JCrew - loving the green - but not sure my legs can handle them!

I did get these - again 5" shorts in Shadow - love the fit.
Hope this jump starts your spring!!   

Monday, March 12, 2012

So This Is Where My Life Has Been

Ok so first off - I'M SO SORRY!!  I know I sound like a broken record - but seriously - things have been crazzzy.  Some I can discuss, some I'd rather not - maybe they'll come up at a later date in time - but for now - I'm gonna keep 'em to myself!  That's what I'm best at - bottle it up and then you'll all get the brunt of it when it boils on over!  Anywho sooo instead of a long dramatic post, I figured I'd list out some of the situations I've encountered in the past week/week & a half. 
1.  Last Thursday I passed a man on the street in full out jeans overalls.  He was not a small man.  He was pacing up and down the sidewalk on his cell phone.  He was SCREAMING obscenities (including, but not limited to, "I will kill you", "I hate your f'ing guts", "I will come to your apartment, grab you by the neck, and knock all your teeth in").  Oh btw - it was 8 am.  Good morning NYC!
2.  I've been going to a new place to get my salads at lunch time.  The first encounter with said place went something like this:
Salad Lady:  Do you want it chopped?
Me:  No thank you - just break up the avocado & goat cheese.
Salad Lady:  Ok.  (proceeds to chop the whole thing)
Me:  Wait (she stops)- no just the avocado & goat cheese.
Salad Lady:  Ok.  (proceeds to chop the whole thing)
Other Salad Lady that works there:  No - she doesn't want it chopped.
Salad Lady:  Ok.  (proceeds to chop the whole thing)
This went on for about 3 more times - I was basically in tears - finally she just threw it in my bowl and wanna know the 2 things that were not "chopped" when I got to my desk - in the WHOLE salad - the GD avocado & goat cheese!  I took one bite at it was solely goat cheese. 
3.  My cousin wanted to set me up with her tennis pro.  So I went out to their NJ house for a night and she arranged for a Saturday lesson.  Let me break this down, I knew what she was doing but this dude DID NOT.  Oh and also - it was a semi-private lesson - so it was her and & I with this kid.  Let's just say that he barely talks and was so beyond shy.  I was trying to be nice, but all he did was tell me I was doing everything wrong and praising my cousin.  OH and did I mention that I haven't played in 3 years, so the fact that I even HIT the ball was amazing to me!  Let's just say there is no Wimbledon vacay in our future.
4.  I bought this Pilates package on Rue La La.  I tried to sign up for my first session the other day and the woman informed me that since I had never done the machines before, it'd prob be best to do a private 1 hour lesson first.   So that's fine, I made my arrangements and she even gave me a discount.  Well I had my private session the other day.  It was with the owner of the studio.  Oh and let me back track, I'd never been here before, but I knew it was going to be fabulous when I saw the décor and this gem in the changing room:

So obviously I knew I was in good hands.  I went upstairs to the "studio area" to wait for my instructor. Then he approached me…this is a brief description:
            -He's about 70
            -He has a huge belly - skinny - but just with a huge belly
            -Skin of leather
            -A few long finger nails
            -Spoke in the thickest NY accent I have ever heard
Oh and I should mention that his name was "Sal".  He opened his mouth and I could barely understand half of what he said to me the entire time.  There was a lot of "looking into his eyes", which obvs made me giggle/was uncomfortable.  He told me that everything I was doing in terms of other exercise was wrong and I needed to learn my body's "movement".  He also made me watch him doing some sort of kick and I was trying to divert my eyes from where he wanted me to watch - lets just say Sal's sweatpants were a little tight!  I mean we hugged it out at the end, I have no clue what happened during that hour, but I do know that I have 10 more sessions and I'm going back today.  So there's that.
5.  I got a massage on Saturday - I'm still sore.  It was an Extreme Sports Deep Tissue Massage - again - I'm still sore today.  But she used this like heat solution that went on my back with a paintbrush.  I felt like I was on fire and I prob have 3rd degree burns on my back (because clearly I can't see back there), but I was basically in tears when it was over because it just "hurt so good". 
6.  I saw "Friends with Kids" over the weekend - highly recommend it - it's pretty funny. 
7.  I watched a few episodes of "I Just Want My Pants Back" on MTV.  It's actually pretty funny.  But I keep thinking of this one line where a girl describes her arms as "a baby's thigh" and I can't handle it.  ALL day I looked down and thought just that.
8.  I'll leave you with this…I woke up singing "Chantilly Lace" this morning and I can't get it out of my head.  Why you may ask - I have NO CLUE!!
Ok - so this week - prom prom I'll be better - I have a few things I'd like to discuss, so we're off to a good start!!  XOXO