Christmas & New Year's on QM2 in 2010

In 2010 I will be spending the holidays aboard Cunard Cruise Line's QM2.

Itinerary:

Day	Location	Arrival	Departure
Sunday, December 19, 2010	New York	--	06:00 PM
Monday, December 20, 2010	At Sea	--	--
Tuesday, December 21, 2010	At Sea	--	--
Wednesday, December 22, 2010	Grand Turk	08:00 AM	01:00 PM
Thursday, December 23, 2010	Tortola	09:00 AM	06:00 PM
Friday, December 24, 2010	St Maarten	08:00 AM	06:00 PM
Saturday, December 25, 2010	At Sea	--	--
Sunday, December 26, 2010	Curacao	09:00 AM	02:00 PM
Monday, December 27, 2010	Grenada	09:00 AM	06:00 PM
Tuesday, December 28, 2010	Barbados	08:00 AM	06:00 PM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010	St Lucia	08:00 AM	06:00 PM
Thursday, December 30, 2010	St Kitts	08:00 AM	06:00 PM
Friday, December 31, 2010	St Thomas	08:00 AM	05:00 PM
Saturday, January 1, 2011	At Sea	--	--
Sunday, January 2, 2011	At Sea	--	--
Monday, January 3, 2011	New York	06:30 AM	--

Care to join me? Email for details and pricing as well as travel agent contact information to book. Group amenities and pricing apply.

SWF42email@gmail.com

A Girl's Weekend of Shopping - Good Idea!

I was reading an article about a Girl's Shopping Weekend this morning in Examiner.com, and, began thinking how long it's been since I've gathered my friends together to enjoy such as weekend. Of course, we always put our unique spin on it like going for afternoon tea at The Plaza or heading to Lucky Cheng's for a some laughs, but, it has me thinking it's a good time to start planning for later this Fall.

I'm actually a bit amazed at the hotel prices, and, how low they are compared to years past. And, yes, regardless that we're all in the NYC area, we still do our shopping weekends right, and, get hotel rooms, it's all part of the experience. But, after checking Expedia.com this morning, I will be making some calls to get things arranged this week...

Take a look at some of the prices I've found (weekend of Friday October 23 through Sunday October 25):

Omni Berkshire for $762.88 for 2 nights in a Deluxe King Room

The Michelangelo Hotel for $746.12 for 2 nights in a Executive King Room

Loew's Regency NYC for $1,032.04 for 2 nights in a Superior King Room

Taking into consideration these are all 4 star or better hotels, these are outstanding rates! Time to call the girls and figure out a shopping weekend before the holidays!

I Want A Do Over

I wanted to shared this - I wrote an email to a friend - it pretty much sums up how my week is going:

Have you ever had one of those days where you wish you were a kid and you could start it over with a "do-over"? What a night/day I've had... Normally I'm not one to complain, well at least not too much, it has to be something pretty major to get me going or lots of little things that add up to be a bigger pain than just one big thing. (Did you follow that?)

Anyhow, I go to the gym last night and everything was fine. I come home and the apartment is stifling hot. First thing I do is check and make sure the cat is ok. He's warm but otherwise fine. I walk into the living room in socks and the rug is soaking wet - the air conditioner broke. So, after waiting for the super in an unbearable heat (I have an apartment where the window's only open a bit), he tells me he needs a part and can't get the part until the morning. Well there is no way I'm staying there so I get a room at a hotel where they accept pets.

I get to the hotel and my cat (who is a huge chicken to begin with) freaks out and runs under the bed. I figure this normal, he'll come out eventually. So, I wait and I wait and I wait, I fall asleep and get up in the morning. He's still wedged under the bed. I have to check out and get back to the apartment.

So I call the front desk and explain the problem and they send someone up to help me. It took two guys to physically lift the bed while I went under and pulled the little sucker out. Luckily he went right into his carrier. So, I check out and get back to the apartment to let the super in.

As I wait it's getting warmer and warmer since the day is getting brutally hot. FINALLY the super shows up and gets the AC running. After babysitting for a good two hours I figure it's cool enough that the cat is ok and I can head off to work.

I get home and now find out the delightful news that our never, ever broken elevators are undergoing maintenance, and, to use the freight elevator. On any other day this would be simple. Today, someone is moving into the building and the freight elevator is use and in the hold position for a good 20 minutes as they unload it.

Finally make upstairs- what a day

So can I get a "do-over?" :)

Summer Finally Arrived and I'm planning a trip to Russia

Well summer finally arrived, it's hot here, well into the 80s in NYC but, with the humidity factored in it feels more like 90 or hotter. By week's end it should be much cooler. This is going to be short and sweet entry since I'm planning a cruise for Northern Europe and Russia next July. Here's the itinerary:

Day	Location	Arrival	Departure
Saturday, July 10, 2010	Southampton, England	--	04:45 PM
Sunday, July 11, 2010	Brugges,(zeebrugge),belgium	08:30 AM	03:00 PM
Monday, July 12, 2010	At Sea	--	--
Tuesday, July 13, 2010	Berlin (warnemunde), Germany	09:00 AM	11:59 PM
Wednesday, July 14, 2010	At Sea	--	--
Thursday, July 15, 2010	Stockholm, Sweden	08:00 AM	05:00 PM
Friday, July 16, 2010	Helsinki, Finland	10:00 AM	06:00 PM
Saturday, July 17, 2010	St. Petersburg, Russia	07:00 AM	--
Sunday, July 18, 2010	St. Petersburg, Russia	--	06:00 PM
Monday, July 19, 2010	Tallinn, Estonia	08:00 AM	05:00 PM
Tuesday, July 20, 2010	At Sea	--	--
Wednesday, July 21, 2010	At Sea	--	--
Thursday, July 22, 2010	Amsterdam, Holland	09:00 AM	11:59 PM
Friday, July 23, 2010	At Sea	--	--
Saturday, July 24, 2010	Southampton, England	05:30 AM	--

For more information about this cruise visit: Celebrity Cruises at http://www.celebrity.com

Life's Curve Balls - Putting Things Into Perspective

Looks like I'm heading to jolly old England next May for a short trip on Cunard Queen Victoria. It's only a 5 night cruise but, I am very much looking forward to it since it is visiting some of my favorite cities in the world. I'm also looking forward to the pre-cruise stay in London before heading down to Southampton. No, I'm not taking requests for someone to join me, I've already been bombarded with my half joking request to have someone join me for The Nutcracker.

*Sigh*... A friend of mine just returned to England and not for the best of reasons. Her beloved brother died of cancer last night - he was only 45. The worst part is that he couldn't hang on until my friend got home to say good-bye to him - she was mid-flight home when he passed, and, I received the terrible news this morning.

It's times like these when life gets put into prospective a bit. The little annoyances just don't seem so troubling after receiving news like the death of someone too young to die.

So if you find yourself having a rough day, put things into perspective and somehow it probably won't seem so bad. ..

Gentlemen Please Only Respond If...

Well, I have an email box full of my half joking request to have one of you join me for the Nutcracker in December at Lincoln Center. I appreciate that many of you ladies would like to accompany me, and, while I do agree with the argument that going to ballet is very much a "chick thing", I would much rather the company of a gentleman.

A gentleman is defined as "a man of noble or gentle birth b : a man belonging to the landed gentry c (1) : a man who combines gentle birth or rank with chivalrous qualities (2) : a man whose conduct conforms to a high standard of propriety or correct behavior d (1) : a man of independent means who does not engage in any occupation or profession for gain (2) : a man who does not engage in a menial occupation or in manual labor for gain"

So to the rude, blunt man who thinks me hanging off the back of his Harley is my idea of a good time, thanks but, no thanks. There was much more to his vulgar email which isn't fit for public reading, simply use your imagination for such a person.

To the rather cocky UES doctor who apparently thinks he is God's gift to women, to you I also thanks but, no thanks. While tales of romantic escapes might be enchanting to some, it is only a turn off to me. Anyone who has more than 50 partners in his past and has yet to reach 50 years of age is not for me. I wish you luck in finding your next victim, I mean date.

To the 23 year old. You are absolutely adorable. If I was 22 there is no way I would be able to wait until December. Alas, young man (and I do mean young man) I am not a cougar nor do I want to be one. And so I toss you back into the dating pond.

To the snide guy from the Midwest asking who I think I am or what do I have to offer, my reply is this:

1. I am well traveled and will continue to be well traveled. Why is this important? To quote Mark Twain "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." I have been to over 25 countries in the world (including 3 of the 7 continents). I can hold intelligent conversations about many countries and cities around the world.
   
2. I am not a fat couch potato. I walk at least 3 miles every day and go to the gym at least 4 times a week. My body is toned.
3. If you had followed my blog from the start or had bothered to read anything about me, you know I will not reveal my profession. Rest assured I make a very good salary.
4. My looks might not appeal to everyone, but, I do seem to be appealing to the majority of the population including the professional modeling agency who approached me in my younger years. Oh yes, they were from a very real and legitimate agency; and, yes they approached me, not the other way around.
5. I can converse on many topics from music to real estate to equine related topics, and, those are to just to mention a few.

And these are just a few of my qualities. I made a promise when I started this blog that I would at least write back once to anyone who wrote to me. I am continuing to keep that promise, however, if you don't hear from me again, you simply couldn't hold my interest.

The invitation to the Nutcracker with me was meant tongue-in-check. In other words, it wasn't meant to be taken seriously. However, apparently more than one of you did take it seriously, and, if someone out there truly thinks he might be a match for me then by all means please email me at SWF42email@gmail.com

Nutcracker Sweet!

For those interested in attending the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center this year, individual tickets go on sale on September 28th. Group tickets are available now. Here's the link: http://www.nycballet.com/nutcracker/nutcracker.html

Who wants to go with me? Email me at swf42email@gmail.com with photo and why you would be my dream date.

A Room With A View - 2009 NYC Hotels With View Thankgiving

I'm still a bit under the weather with my cold. By the way I had a great time on Friday, I'm not going as far as saying this guy is the one but, I can certainly see myself going out with him once in a while. As I always say, the good ones aren't all taken!

Anyhow I digress, since I'm still fighting off my third summer cold (a new record for me). I am going to give you a link to a great article about the new Thanksgiving Parade route for 2009. It also contains hotels with views:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-18067-NY-Budget-Hotel-Travel-Examiner~y2009m8d10-A-Room-With-A-View--2009-NYC-Hotels-With-Views-Of-The-Thanksgiving-Day-Parade

Other articles for those coming to New York City to visit during Thanksgiving 2009 (by the same writer):

Airline Prices for Thanksgiving Weekend from a variety of samples:
http://www.examiner.com/x-18067-NY-Budget-Hotel-Travel-Examiner~y2009m8d5-Thanksgiving-Weekend-In-New-York-City-Part-One--Deals-And-Steals

Broadway shows that are performing Thanksgiving Day or Evening:
http://www.examiner.com/x-18067-NY-Budget-Hotel-Travel-Examiner~y2009m8d6-Thanksgiving-Weekend-In-New-York-City-Part-Two--Its-Simply-Magical

Restaurants that are open Thanksgiving Day and NYC Stores Shopping Guide with addresses:
http://www.examiner.com/x-18067-NY-Budget-Hotel-Travel-Examiner~y2009m8d7-Thanksgiving-Weekend-In-New-York-City-Part-Three--Restaurants-Shopping-and-Black-Friday

Another weekend, another date - now I have his cold

In a word: YUCK! I have a cold again. My date who gave me the cold is coming over to cook me dinner and watch a movie tonight. He's sweet especially since he isn't 100% himself. I just hope we don't get into the routine of passing it back and forth to each other.

On another note, out of the blue someone from past called me about returning to my old career. Without giving too much away, I have no desire to return to that life. It was fun in my 20s but, it something I wouldn't remotely consider now. I'll just say it was fashion related - draw your own conclusions.

I sigh realizing the time that has passed by since that job. Failed relationships, deaths of friends and family, and, other marks that time has passed. I never thought I'd be in my 40s and alone but, here I am. To tell you the truth, I'm getting tired of dating. At this age, there is nothing fun or glamorous about it. I'm not saying I want to get married but, I really need to get back into a more solid, long term relationship.

LOL

I literally just got a cute email from someone asking if he could share my cold with me, and, sent me the following:

How to catch a cold

As the calendar pages fall away and autumn creeps toward winter, we slog through the inevitable cold and flu season. You know those first, scratchy-throated signs that a cold has taken hold. And you know you're in for about a week's worth of unshakeable symptoms - a dry, sore throat, stuffed-up nose, and coughing and sneezing fits. Want to make sure to get in on all that fun? Here are some surefire ways to catch a cold:

• Become a sneeze guard. Cold viruses get spread around by mucus and saliva flung out of the body by sneezes and coughs. Thus, if you really want to catch a cold, try standing downwind of someone who already has one.
• Touch everything and never wash your hands. While most cold germs are airborne, many get passed around on our hands. Thoroughly washing your hands or using hand sanitizers will remove many of the germs, but cold viruses can lurk anywhere hands have touched: door knobs, toilet flushers, telephones, bus or subway poles, and shopping cart handles. The machines at the gym and the buttons on the AT M, too. So touch everything - especially your nose!
• Stick your nose out. Temperatures drop and you bundle up in coats, scarves, and gloves, but your nose often gets left out in the cold. One catch-a-cold theory goes that when your nose is cold, you become less resistant to infection.
• Walk barefoot in the cold. Your grandma may have warned you about "catching your death of cold" if you dared go out outside with a wet head in wintertime. Well, it seems your grandma may be at least partly right. You see, many of us carry cold viruses around with us all the time, but we just don't always show the symptoms. Researchers at Cardiff University in Wales suggest that when the feet are cold, blood vessels in the nose constrict. This then makes it tough for your nose to fight off the virus and cold symptoms kick into high gear. So it seems like we just "caught" a cold, but it had been there waiting for a chill all the time.
• Hang out in the city. Cities are packed full of virus carriers - building ventilation systems, people walking or riding on buses and in cars, children going to and from school, and people crossing paths in hospitals, malls, and any number of other public gathering places.
• Stress out. Want a cold? Worry! Get anxious! It's thought that tension can make you less resistant to infection.
• Stop aging. With age comes wisdom, and this is true with your immune system, too. With every cold you battle, your immune system creates more and more antibodies and becomes smarter at handling new viruses that come along.
• Be human. No wonder it's called the common cold: Over two hundred different viruses float around and infect us humans every year, causing those familiar, unpleasant symptoms. Adults suffer an average of 2 to 5 colds each year, while kids experience 7 to 10 sniffle-and-sneeze episodes.

In all seriousness, it is tough to fend off all of the viruses that create cold symptoms. But you can lower your risk by turning all of those tips on their head - well, except for those last two!

• Cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough. Keep germs off of your hands by coughing and sneezing into the bend of your elbow. And, of course, stay out of the line of fire of other people's germs.
• As much as you can, refrain from touching your nose, eyes, or mouth. Wash your hands with soap and water often - it's the best way to remove germs you've picked up from touching things around you. Hand sanitizers will tide you over until you can get to a sink.
• Learn to cope with stress in your life.
• Bundle up when you head out into the cold, and don't forget your poor vulnerable nose!
• Try to steer clear of crowded places during the high contagious season. Stay home from work or school if you're sick to prevent spreading the cold you've "successfully" caught.

And then watch this adorable Disney short about catching cold:



Thanks mystery man! Your offer to catch cold just so you can meet me and take me on a date was sweet. And yes, you made me feel better - well not really but, knowing a complete stranger took the time to write to me was great. Thank you! And look for an email back :)

Visiting NYC During Thanksgiving and Yet Another Cold For me

UGGGHH!!! I woke up with yet another cold!! This is the third one this summer, I guess I'm not taking care of myself like I should. I'll have to start building my immunity system back up or else it's going to be one tough winter. (I average three to four really bad fall/winter colds). So that puts a damper on my date tomorrow night but, the guy who passed it on to me is coming over to cook me dinner and we're going to watch a movie at my place. Isn't that sweet?

I'm working from home today, it's going to rain later and I don't want to get worse than I already am - fever, chills and other usual cold symptoms. Anyhow, I was helping a co-worker plan out Thanksgiving weekend for extended family who are visiting NYC and I stumbled across these two articles: http://www.examiner.com/x-18067-NY-Budget-Hotel-Travel-Examiner~y2009m8d5-Thanksgiving-Weekend-In-New-York-City-Part-One--Deals-And-Steals and http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-18067-NY-Budget-Hotel-Travel-Examiner~y2009m8d6-Thanksgiving-Weekend-In-New-York-City-Part-Two--Its-Simply-Magical

They give great information and the photo slide shows are wonderful. It's making me get into the holiday spirit already! Although, as you know from past entries I'm already anticipating the holidays this year but, these articles are really putting me in the mood.

It's hard to believe soon the Rockefeller Center and Ice Rinks will open, a nip will be in the air, and, then bam - the department stores will have the Christmas decorations up. I think I mentioned this in a past post but, Hallmark ALREADY have their holiday ornaments out for sale. And, somewhere in between I'll catch my annual Thanksgiving or Christmas cold or sometimes it's both, it happens like clock work.

Well, I better make some tea and try to get rid of THIS cold before worrying about one that I know is coming later in the year. Anyone want a cold? I'm giving one away for free...

Sex and the City 2 , where to go to eat on Friday, and other thoughts

I just spoke with the guy I went out on the date with over the weekend, he is on the mend but still battling a cold, and, we're going out again this Friday (dinner and a movie), he's letting me pick the restaurant, but, I'm not sure where we should go. I'm reading menupages but, haven't seen anything that really knocks me out yet. We will probably go see The Ugly Truth the movies this summer haven't been overwhelmingly interesting.

Speaking of movies, I cannot believe the turn out they had for the new Sex and the City 2 casting call. It never ceases to amaze me who thinks they are good looking, I mean the egos on some people are just outrageous! Rumor has it that the new movie will be out in 2010 so that's something we fans have something to look forward to in the not so distant future.

Other than that, a pretty mundane Tuesday for me. Fingers crossed I'm not getting sick, I have a terrible headache...

Another weekend, another date - he had a cold, it wasn't great

Nothing overly exciting to report - Atlantic City didn't happen and instead, I went on a date with a new guy this past weekend, but, it wasn't the best it could have been the poor guy was coming down with a cold. I checked in on him today and, he is absolutely horrible. I'm just hoping I don't get it. I don't know if it is my imagination or not but, it seems like there are lots of summer colds going around this year - more than normal.

As for our date, he planned a really nice one. We started with dinner at the RedEye Grill. In a word, YUM! I had the Crispy Shrimp Maki Roll - excellent and my date had the Cuban Skirt Steak. Dessert is a must at this establishment but, we were just too full to indulge.

After dinner, we proceed to see "Hair" - it wasn't at all stale or dated as someone had told me and it was absolutely spectacular. As when this show first opened, it should be noted this show is not for young children - there is nudity.

After the show we had a horse and carriage ride home. Very romantic but, I could tell my date was miserable the entire time. I kept asking if he wanted to leave but, he insisted that we stay.

While the date went well, it would have been perfect if he didn't have a sore throat and runny nose. I agreed to see again after he is better. I'm not sure if this will develop into anything more than a few dates but, you never know...