Just A Pinch!

Since I moved to the city , I'm all about trying new things and exploring new ideas. I'm in a "finding myself" place in my life. The good thing for me is that New York is full of 30 somethings trying to "find themselves". One of my more adventurous "things" has been acupuncture. It's in a word - AMAZING. I now feel the need to share my love of acupuncture with you all.

Since I was about 10 years old, I have suffered from migraines. I have been on every drug, tried everything, done food diaries, etc. The only connection that they can deduce is the weather and stress. Awesome - 2 things I have ZERO control over. I mean stress - as much as I try to not let it get to me - it creeps up. I'm a very stressed out person and I do my best to keep it at bay! Obviously the weather I have no way of changing and the worst part is when I see the forecast. When I see that throughout the week on Monday it's gonna be 80 and by Tuesday it will drop to 40 and be raining - I stress.  This is pretty much what I do at 8 am after I see it:

Simply because I know this migraine is looming - it's like a Catch 22. I've tried so many different remedies and things over the years that acupuncture seems like a last resort.

The other thing I've been treating is this lil old back problem. You may remember from my "Dr. Hottie" story that I have a bit of an issue. Since I decided that running ridiculous distances (i.e. 26.2 miles, 13.1 miles, 10 miles) at a time was a good idea, my back has been revolting against the rest of my body. It's still causes me a lot of pain and the fun part is that the pain permeates to my hips - awesome. Again - acupuncture seems like a last resort.

When someone originally told me to try it, my initial reaction was similar to this:

I've now been going for about 6 months and let me tell you - I think it might be helping. I mean whether or not it actually is - I don't know - but I feel like it is - so it's all in the head. Mind over body. The first time I didn't quite know what to expect. Didn't know if it was going to hurt or really just simply freak me out. but honestly - it didn't hurt at all (for the most part). There are a few spots that get me - and they do EVERY TIME - but as a whole - it's really not bad. She puts them all over my feet and my legs, arms, hands, ear, head, the whole 9. I look like a pin cushion! She just started treating my back about 3 weeks ago and I actually look forward to my appointments. I get to lay on my stomach on a massage-like table. She does her thing, turns out the lights, normally I fall asleep. Next thing I know she tip toes in and whispers, ok you're done. Takes out the needles and off I go. It's so peaceful. It's 30 minutes of my day that I do absolutely nothing but just lay there. Sometimes I fall asleep, sometimes I think about my dinner for that night, sometimes my mind races and it's not as "stress free". But regardless of what happens - I keep going back for more!

Over time she also given me different lotions/solutions for various ailments. For example when I sprained my ankle a few weeks back, she gave me this brown glass bottle with the label "tendon lotion" - that's it. So I slapped that stuff on my foot a few times a day - and low and behold - it's actually helping! Unreal!

Basically I think it's something everyone should try at some point in their lives. It's so great. And the amount of things they can treat - is just insane to me. They also look at your tongue (totally weird) and take your pulse to figure out different things. The whole thing is so interesting. I usually ask her a million questions and I'm fortunate that she's patient with me! I LOVE my acupuncturist! It's also something you should ask for a recommendation for - don’t' just pick one out of a phone book. And some insurance companies cover it - mine does - so that's an added bonus!

So everyone go on out and find your nearest and dearest acupuncturist! If you're in NYC - I'd be happy to give you mine!! Enjoy and let me know how it goes!

Sucker Punch

Could this day be any grosser and longer?! Seriously - I'm so over it! I'm forcing myself to go to the gym and all I really want to do is go home, curl up on my couch, and possibly eat a pizza or maybe macaroni & cheese - or maybe some Mexican - either way, the gym is not involved in this fantasy equation! Anyway - back to the blog! Every now and again I'll get an email from a friend requesting I divulge a particular story from my past. So this one I'll share with you and PLEASE if you have any requests/suggestions - I ALWAYS welcome them. Unless I don’t like them - JK Rowling!

Back in the day when I was dating Chaz, something that I never envisioned happening to me - did just that - it happened. A few days prior to this incident, he was informed that he'd be getting a job transfer for work - not just to somewhere normal like New York - he was getting transferred to the Middle East. Oh and I should mention that he had to leave in under a week. So you can imagine my upset and confusion when he came into my apartment one night while I was cooking us dinner and made this announcement. I was stunned to say the least. Kinda like this:

But I mean - you gotta do what you gotta do I guess. Or at least that is just my luck and I've learned to roll with the punches!

All that was left to do - was make our last few days fun and enjoyable! I should also mention that the weekend he actually had to leave, I was in my best friend's wedding - the MOH to be exact. So I had to leave a few days before him to go up and do all things wedding for her big day!

Our last night together was great. I made dinner, we had some wine. Just really hung out and spent some "quality time". I was trying not to hold back the tears and just enjoy the moment. I didn't want him to remember me like this:

We were heading to bed and making out a bit - I mean come on - it was our last night! All of a sudden things got a little too aggressive apparently and I guess our faces cracked into each other. My nose was throbbing and I went to touch it and found- GUSHING blood. Like disgusting gushing blood. Won't stop bleeding. I'm catching it, he's racing around trying to find a tissue. All the while yelling - "I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!". It was the most ridiculous scene. Needless to say our make out session came to a screeching halt! All I could think about was that I had to be in a wedding that weekend and I prob should have gone to get a nose job instead. Marcia Brady kept flashing before my eyes:

The next morning it was all black and blue - awesome - but at least the bleeding stopped! We said our good-byes and it was sad. But the good part was I had a fabulous wedding to get to!

So the moral of the story - if you're gonna get a lil aggressive while making out - either wear a helmet or at least a nose guard!

Wit or Witout

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting my dear friend Isabella in the old City of Brotherly Love. Of course this did not go down without a few interesting encounters/situations along the way!

I got on the train to head down there and I knew from the get-go I was not going to get my own "seat" - which I love. It was so crowded and people were just pouring on. Of course the guys in suites and pretty faces just kept passing me by - therefore my visions of being engaged by the time I hit 30th Street Station were quickly coming to an end. However the person that did sit next to me was more conducive to my ever present "luck". First off he yells "can I sit there", before he even reached the seat. My reaction, "really?!" and then I moved my bag to make room. He then throws down like 3 slices of pizza (which was weird because it was 4pm) and then takes about 20 minutes to get his bags up, situated, etc. After he finally sits down and finishes up his "snack", he pulls out his laptop. Accompanied with the smallest, littlest, brightest ORANGE mouse I've ever seen. It looked a little something like this:

After he gets all up and running on his laptop, I glance over and realize his screen saver is polar bears - which I just found to be a little odd. And then he opened up his iTunes and again, I glanced over - being the curious person I am. Just wanted to see what kinda jams this guys into. Pretty sure he had mostly things from the Madagascar soundtrack. NBD. I mean maybe he had kids or something -who am I to judge - I just didn't even realize that movie constituted having/buying a soundtrack. Sooo that was my ride. And then I had to wait in line in the rain for a cab and I hated my cab driver - but alas I made it Isabella's apt and all was right!

We met my brother and his fiancé for a great dinner at Melograno. For those of you in Philly or visiting soon - this place is a must! It's so delish. And the best part is - it's BYOB! I had the gnocchi special that was so good! After dinner Isabella and I stopped in for a drink at a local bar and then headed home. We were both exhausted and thought wine and a movie on a rainy Friday night sounded just perfect!

After much deliberating, we decided to rent Burlesque.

First let me preface, that I love dancing movies. Second I'm a Christina fan - I know she hasn't been "on her game" recently - but she'll get back there - I have faith. And let me tell you - it did not disappoint. Was it by most standards "awful" - absolutely - which means by my "fun movie" standards - I would love it. It def had the same feel as Coyote Ugly - which again is one of my fave movies of all time to watch on TV on a Sunday. A few things worth noting about this movie: 1. Christina is not the best "actress" 2. The lead guy is pretty hot 3. It's very "dramatic" 4. The "unrealness" of this is pretty much amazing.

Saturday morning was sooo nice out. We took Isabella's dog for a little walk and grabbed coffee. We then had a nice relaxing morning! Her sister came over and we all grabbed lunch. Actually it's worth noting that on our way to lunch I saw this woman walking towards me with crazy bohemian dress of sorts and one of those winter "jester" hats on her head. Of course Isabella knew her - apparently she was the dog walker. After they chatted for a few minutes the woman said "ok gotta go! Tell your dog I said 'Arf'!" Her sister and I both looked at each other with the same "what just happened" look on our faces. Isabella wasn't really phased. Our lunch was great and entertaining. There was a birthday party going on behind us for a little boy. It was just a few sets of parents and about 5 kids under the age of 5. They were being good, no problems. Then one boy who was about 2 (and sitting in a "regular" chair) fell backwards and onto the floor. Obviously crying ensued - totally understandable he was scared and he hit is head. That's traumatic. So then the parents put him back in the chair (he clearly should have been in a highchair/booster seat). Within about 5 minutes, same thing happened. Crying, omg'ing, whole nine. Ok - fine - please now learn your lesson. But nope! Three times a charm! The kid went back in the seat - rinse & repeat. WHAT THE F?! Why did they not learn their lesson the first 2 times this happened. After the third time we had to leave, but as we turned around we saw that they were putting him BACK IN THE SAME SEAT!! I'm pretty certain he fell at least one more time. When will they learn?!

The rest of the afternoon was spent walking around the city and enjoying the sites. We sat in the park for a little bit - it was great people watching! Had a few cocktails outside.  I had read about one of Justin Timberlake's fav drinks - and let me tell you - it did not disappoint.  It's vodka, sprite & grapefruit juice.  Very refreshing!  Saturday was also one of Isabella's friends' birthdays - his name is Pat. We all went out for drinks/dinner. It was a fun, low key night - we were responsible and home at a reasonable hour! One of my favorite parts of the night was at this bar we went to. The bartender would let you play him in Connect Four (the board game) and if you beat him, he'd buy your group a round.

Pat played like 4 times in a row - no dice. This bartender was like a Connect Four genius! I think the quote I had emailed to myself, so I wouldn't forget, sums up the night. "I became a robot temporarily.   Deal with it" - Pat.

Sunday always comes too soon and back on the train I went - NYC bound. This time I got my own seat! Now it's back to the grind for another fun filled week!!

Red-Sweatitis

Here’s the thing – I have some sort of syndrome/issue.  Every freaking time I get caught off guard/someone comes into my office/I have to talk to a group of people unexpectedly/etc. – I turned PURPLE/RED and immediately start SWEATING!  It has nothing to do with being embarrassed or hot or even shy – its some sort of “red-sweatitis” – I think that’s the medical term.  It’s seriously starting to get RULL old. 

For example (and I have a million) – take today.  My work crush came into my office to just “say hi” and chat.  The second I turned around and saw him in my doorway – this was me…

And here’s the thing – I wasn’t embarrassed at ALL to talk to him.  I was not hot - I was actually quite comfortable with the room temperature.  So why was this happening?!?  And the more that I thought about it – the worse it got.  And then I was even more awkward.  I wasn’t even doing anything weird when he walked in – I was actually working!  So while we were chatting – I could feel the flushness going down and my sweating was coming to a halt.  I tried as best I could to just carry on a normal conversation and interaction.  But the damage was done.  I was/am MORT.TI.FIED. that this happens when he catches me off gaurd.  I had seen him the day before in the kitchen, when I walked in, and nothing – no problems.  What is wrong with me?! 

I think the main cause is when I get caught off guard.  When I know I’m going to see him, or know that I have to give a speech – I’m totally fine.  Calm, cool & collected.  Well that might be exaggerating a bit – but you get the point.  It’s just awful though.  I mean the sweating is bad enough – but my whole face turns red and it travels down my neck!  Atrocious!  It’s just so obvious and out there!

So my question to all of you – is anyone with me?!  Am I in this alone?!  And if you know what I’m going through/suffer from red-sweatitis – do you have any advice?!  HELP ME!!

Why Do I Do These Things To Myself?!

I’m completely exhausted today.  No not because I went out and had a fun crazy night last night.  No not because I was up all night talking to the man of my dreams.   Not even because I’m an insomniac.  No – I’m exhausted because I was up way past my bedtime watching Teen Mom 2 – Dr. Drew Check-Up.  It was like a complete train wreck – I COULD NOT stop watching!  For any of you out there that watch the show – you’ll know why I was sucked in.  I mean seriously – it just captures you!  Here’s a little recap of what went down. 

Leah – seriously let me first say that out of all of them, and this isn’t saying a lot, she is the most normal.  And the most orange – but I digress.  

Her and Corey do seem to love each other – not sure it’ll last – but I think they have the best shot.  Their poor little girl (they actually have twins) is “not normal”.  I’m still not sure what the deal is, but something isn’t right and they don’t seem to know what’s wrong either.  But honestly – I think they are trying so hard and have a shot at making it work!  I mean that and their baby wears glasses – she just looks so cute – it’s a rare thing – baby in glasses!

Kailyn – so full disclosure – I couldn’t stand Kailyn during this season.  I found her annoying and blah and she was always sulking and having a “womp womp” face on.  

However, I must say after last night, she kinda grew on me.  I think she’s really come into her own.  I think Joe is a jerk, immature, really likes her/cares for her, but needs to figure out how to deal with his feelings.  Anyway – she’s really trying hard to make it all work and do it all on her own.  Keep it up!

Chelsea – oh Chelsea!  

Pull yourself together girl!  That douche-bag, Adam, is never gonna change!  Get rid of him!  Your dad and family and friends know best – you’re better off and so is Aubrey.  You can do it without him and his stupid hat & wrap around sunglasses.  Oh and that stupid beard.  HATE.  

Listen to your father!!!

Jenelle – I have no words for her.  I can’t stand her and I think she’s a little biotch.  She needs to pull her shiz together and start acting like an adult.  I know her mom seems harsh – but seriously after having to put up with her – I’d prob be the same.  WORST!!  And that poor little boy – he just looks so sad and bewildered all the time.  

His life is so chaotic.  Poor little pumpkin!  Leave him with Barb and let him try to have a normal life!!

There you have it.  How did you feel about this season?? 

Sorry for the half-asses post – but I just didn’t have much in me!  I’m thoroughly spent!  Plus this gross weather is NOT helping my tiredness.  Anyways – Modern Family is almost on!!  Best part of my Wednesday nights!!  

It's Alright Cause I’m Saved By the Bell!

I was reading one of my fave blogs today, Hay Girl Hay:  I Need An Adult!, and noticed a fun lil pic of our dear friend Zach Morris. This jogged my memory a bit and made me realize how much I love/loved Saved By The Bell. I mean I was a tried and true fan - I watched from the pilot all the way through the wedding - I even sat through the "New Class" & "The College Years" - worst! I thought it might be fun to take a little trip down memory lane and discuss some of my favorite episodes/moments. I hope you'll chime in - I know you all have your own!

Prom: Obviously they had like 18 proms in the so-called 4 years they were in high school. But one of my all time favorite episodes is when Kelly's dad lost his job - tear - and she gave him all her "dress money" towards the family funds.

Thus leaving her without a dress to go to prom with Zach. Zach then figures all this out and creates their prom outside the window of the gym. I mean if this doesn't bring a tear to your eye - I don't know what will.

Zach's Phone: I mean need I say more. This is just - it's just amazing.

He always had the latest and greatest and this takes the cake - totally love it. And I also heart that Jimmy Fallon made him bring it out on one of his more recent interviews. So much to love about this.

PSA Announcements: I always thought that it was great that they promoted good things. Like don't do drugs:

And they learned from their mistakes - like the drunk driving episode.

It was just good clean fun. Night & day from the stuff that is on now! Ok - now I sound like an old hag!

The Getaways: Hawaii, Palm Springs, The Malibu Sands Beach Club, I mean the list goes on.

I love when they took it "off site". Hawaii was prob my favorite, although I did LOVE their time at the Beach Club with Mr. Carosi and his daughter Stacey - they really spiced things up!

The end of the summer really got me - when Zach and Stacey had to say their goodbyes - but then the whole gang was there to support him and comfort him through his heartbreak.

Mr. Belding: Now I did find him to be a little annoying. And looking back it's a little creepy that he was such a huge part of their lives. And his signature line did start getting a little old - "Hey, hey, hey…what is going on here?!"

I'm So Excited: Classic - doesn't get much better! Jesse is just under so much pressure to perform in the new signing group (obviously)

and study. She just can't take much more - pops some pills and hopes for the best. Guess what kids, it doesn't work! She totally crumbles and thus creates one of the best scenes in television history:

The Outfits: Arguably one of the best aspects of the show.

I was always a Kelly Kapowski girl, but Lisa Turtle did bust out a few fab things in her day. Jesse - well not so much. And the guys - Slater - could you just - I mean those tank tops/pants - he always dressed to impress.

The Wedding: Seriously - my favorite "movie" of all time. I have it on VHS - and I've watched it more times than I care to admit. I LOVED the wedding. It all just came together. Zach & Kelly were finally starting their lives together. And the montages were just priceless. I just loved everything about this!

My love for Saved By The Bell has spanned through the ages. I grew up with it - it was part of my childhood. I even watch the re-runs sometimes if I'm at the gym before work! I'd love to hear your favorites - what did you love MOST about Saved By The Bell?!

I Die

This past weekend my older sister came to town. Saturday was gorg out - so we took advantage of the nice weather and obvi the Friends & Family at Bloomingdales. Saturday night was epic. Shenanigans ensued and it was by far one of - if not the - best nights of my life.

We met up with Giuliana & Carrie for dinner. We went to Diablo Royal in the West Village. So delish - I had their fish tacos (crispy & grilled) and I'm still thinking about them. I wish I could actually eat one right now. And their guac is just delish! So - for all you NYC'ers - if you haven't been - get your butts there fast!

After dinner we decided to go to Barrow Street Alehouse - again - so fun. We got ourselves a little booth right by the door - perfect for people watching. It's at this location that things started to get a lil cray cray. Giuliana thought it would be a good idea to yell (actually quietly yell) "peek a boo" to everyone that walked through the door. Some people took it well and smiled, others got angry. Not sure what prompted this little game - but I just have one word for it - HILAR! Honestly people's reactions to stuff like this just kill me. Anyways - as Giuliana is entertaining me, we realize that Carrie is practically falling asleep, obviously we would now call her "Sleepy Jim" (SJ for short) for the rest of the evening. The waitress brought us over their "form" of Red Bull to take a taste and see if that would help - basically it tasted like lighter fluid and I could barely choke it down - but I poured it in my beer and hoped for the best! It is at this location that I also decided that I'd respond to everything someone said with "I die" - obvi channeling my inner Rachel Zoe.

As we're sitting in our little booth having the best time ever and laughing until I cried, we noticed that there was a group of guys sitting behind us. They looked like fun enough guys just out for a night on the town. Minus the creepy one that sat next to my sister - GROSS - he was married and kept rubbing her leg - there's always one creepster in every group! At one point I glanced over and one of them was basically blowing me kisses and mouthing things to me. Obviously prompting my sister and Giuliana to yell - "Really?! That's your 'opening' - why don't you come over here introduce yourself like a normal man and talk to her". To which I responded "I die". So basically they totally called this dude out - hilar. Next thing I know he comes over and starts talking to me. They tell him that he should ask me out on a proper date. It was redic. So then we start chatting and my sister and I realize that he actually grew up in our home town - well at least until he was about 6/7 years old. We are both freaking out because our home town is like AN person big. So anyone we meet that has even heard of it is huge! So we chatted for awhile - he was actually pretty funny/nice. He kept buying our drinks - which was totally cool. One of his friends actually made Carrie take a shot of Tequila and this was the exchange:

Carrie: "No I really can't Tequila makes my crazy, I’m fine thanks."
Guy: "No seriously - I already bought you have to take it!"
Carrie: Throws it back and replies "No more Sleepy Jim"!

Then they told us we should all meet up with them at this place, Canal Room - there'd be an 80s band, etc. So my new BF took my number and told me to text him when we got there, etc.

We finished up at that bar and decided to go over to Canal Room to check it out. We got all the way over there and get to the door and there was a $20 cover charge! Our feelings were unanimous and we all thought that was just insane. But then we started to hear the music. We decided that we'd stand there for 5 minutes and see if it was worth it. In about 0.2 seconds - we all looked at each other and grabbed our $20 bills - this place was AWESOME! We get in and there is a live band covering 80s music called Rubix Cube (here's a pic)…

The place is set up like a warehouse and honestly - AMAZING. Immediately we see the guys from the bar and we all start dancing. I was having so much fun. At one point Africa was playing and my new BF had Giuliana's coat over his head/over mine & Giuliana's heads and the three of us were all just dancing like that was normal. I had texted Juan & his friend, Shakira (who I adore) to join us. Next thing I know I look over to find Juan rolling in with bright orange Wayfarers on - hysterical - we all embraced like we'd never seen each other before and immediately went back to dancing/having the best night of our lives. Basically we closed the place down - I looked around at one point and there were about 20 people left in the whole place! The music was just so fun - every time we tried to leave something even BETTER came on!

After that we obvi went to our fave diner on the way home. A little grilled cheese never hurt anyone at 4 am. My ears were ringing and we all could not stop laughing about our evening. So redic/so fun!  It's also worth noting that Giuliana and I thought it would be hilar to send my new BF a text that said "What the what no goodbyes?!" because he never told us he was leaving.  Needless to say - I don't think we're BF/GF anymore - haven't heard from him - shockingly!

Sunday morning was a little slower. We had breakfast and then I sent my sister on her way. So glad the night was so successful - I mean she needs a reason to come back soon!!

To sum up this past Saturday night - I DIE!