A Full Social Calendar Gets Fuller

As we continue through this summer (and lets face it for those of us in the Northeast, it hasn't been much of a summer), it's hard to believe we're going into August. This year has zipped by with incredible speed and, as the year progresses, as per usual, my social calender continues to get fuller and fuller. It didn't help when I read this article this morning: http://www.examiner.com/x-18067-NY-Budget-Hotel-Travel-Examiner~y2009m7d30-Planning-your-2009-Holiday-Trip-to-New-York-City--Ideas-and-Suggestions-for-Sightseeing-and-Hotels which is all about the holidays in NYC and in turn reminded me of all my upcoming events.

Soon I will be doing my yearly mad dash to go shopping for outfits for various holiday occasions, and, accepting invitations to parties and other events that I have not already RSVPed. Slowly but, surely the stores are beginning to get their Fall clothing lines in and, coats are beginning to replace swimsuits in the seasonal departments. I have noticed puffed sleeves seem to be making a come back. A good balance for those of us not build like boys who have curves but, are by no stretch of the imagination overweight or fat. And, no that isn't a dig at anyone overweight, I've been battling the bugle all my life and, it's a daily struggle to maintain my size 8 to size 10 dress size. Believe me, I've ballooned as high as a size 22 and have never been smaller than a 6. However, I digress to my point of why certain mainstream designers refuse to cut their outfits for women who are as flat as ironing boards without a butt or bust to speak of... In a society where the average woman is a size 14, it makes absolutely no sense. I'm sure many of you feel my frustrations...

Well, Im off to the NJ shore for the weekend, Atlantic City to be specific. So until next week, stay cool!

It's ACES - NYC to Atlantic City by Train

I've often complained that New Jersey should have a train from NYC to Atlantic City. Imagine my surprise when I found out about the ACES train: http://www.acestrain.com/ it just started in February and it is run by AMTRAK, and, I will be experiencing it in about two weeks.

It takes approximately 2.5 hours from NYC to Atlantic City, and, there are only two pick up points. The first is Penn Station in NYC and the second is Penn Station in Newark - and then you are off to AC.

If you've ever been stuck on the Garden State Parkway, you'll understand my excitement over being able to take the train instead of sitting in a line of endless traffic! The only drawback is that the train only runs on Saturday and Sunday. I'm hoping against hope that it turns out to be a huge success and that they start offering daily service. It is a welcome alternative to driving myself or taking the "blue hair express" (Atlantic City Express Buses filled with little old ladies with their hair dyed blue.)

I'll report on the experience when I return.

155 Days Until Christmas

I don't know why but, I'm particularly fixated on Christmas and the Holidays this year. It's been a long, long, long time since I've actually looked forward to the holidays, so, this is a bit strange for me. The holidays have long been the saddest, most depressing part of the year for me, however, I am accepting my change in attitude and will be ready to welcome the season when it gets here.

It's funny, until a year ago, summer was always my favorite time of year but, for some reason, this year, Autumn and the holidays can't get here fast enough for me. I know I have a fairly busy social calendar this year. That could be part of it but, I doubt it. This is no busier than past years - there is no one special in my life - I have no children. So nothing logical is explaining why this change in heart.

I actually want to buy a Christmas tree and decorate this year. I want to make Christmas cookies. I want my apartment filled with friends and family.

So in the spirit of the holiday, I'd like to offer you all this coupon: http://www.christmastreesny.org/images/coupons.pdf

And you'll be able to see the list of participating farms later in the year here:
http://www.christmastreesny.org/

Spa Appointments

Like many women I know, given the state of the economy, cutting back on non-essentials like going to a Spa are becoming more and more common place. My job is solid, I didn't get involved with a high risk mortgage, and, I'm doing "ok" financially, but, I still am cutting back on expenses because of the "what if" factor.

Of course, there are certain things I won't give up - like a good hair cut, but, I'm more than willing to forgo the truly unnecessary treatments like massages. I realize that for some people a massage is a medical necessity and I'm not referring to someone who needs it for that reason, I'm just saying for me - it's a non-essential. A facial, well, I'll cut back to special occasion for that one - at $120 plus tax and tip, it's certainly something I can live without, but, then again it is something I can afford to treat myself to once in a while - especially when a special occasion arises and I need to look my very best.

However, I will not give up my yearly birthday treat - when I give myself a full day at the spa - in other words - the works! Sure it's $400 + but heck, I have no kids, no husband, and, I might as well take care of me with my money. And, it's only once a year...

Are September and October the new "June" for Weddings?

Say June and most people think of warmer weather, the end of the school year, and, of course, weddings. Strangely enough, I did not attend one June wedding this year, and, in turn, my usually quiet (for weddings) September and October are nearly completely booked. One weekend, I literally will be attending a Friday evening, a Saturday, and a Sunday wedding - different parties of course. Luckily, they are all within 100 miles of each other.

People often ask if I mind going to a wedding as a single in her 40s. The answer is no. What most well-meaning friends and strangers don't seem to understand is that I enjoy being single. And, therefore, I do not feel bad or like I've "missed" something never having walked down the aisle myself.

On many levels, I can understand the appeal of a late summer/early autumn wedding. In my younger years, I would have shuttered at the idea - I had always thought if I ever did get married I would select June. However, as I've matured and experienced life - I think autumn is indeed a wise choice. Mother Nature provides a glorious backdrop of color making otherwise routine photos more interesting. The bride has more flexibility in selecting colors for her wedding scheme. And, it also offers the chance to broaden the menu for the reception.

What remains interesting is how the popularity of the months have switched - and in fact, August has now become one of the most popular months. I'm not sure how or why other months are becoming as popular or possibility even more popular than June but, I have an idea that it has to do with being an individual and not following the pack.

Regardless, I wish all the brides and grooms to be the best of luck in their futures. And, I look forward to the respective weddings I will be attending this Fall.

21 Club - Yes there IS a dress code

Once again the idiots of the world continue to make their way to NYC. I was on http://www.opentable.com making reservations for 21 Club. Having been to this restaurant many, many times I know what to expect and how to dress. I will add this restaurant has never disappointed me.

I noticed the reviews section, and, decided to see what others had to say. Overall, the reviews are positive, and, then I reached this one:

"I was upset with 21 Club because I booked my reservations online, booked 3 broadway shows online, and booked my hotel and flight all online. I was set to see "Wicked" and dine at 21 Club before. My daughter and I were in NYC on a mother-daughter trip, to try to forget that my 34 year old son died in his sleep in March. We planned our whole trip around this one awesome dinner reservation. We were running late, called and moved our time 1 hour ahead, and showered, dressed, and hailed a cab. We arrived at the club and were told we were not admitted because we were underdressed. I was never so insulted in all my life. We looked fine. and when you are seated, no one can tell whether you have on a skirt, or dress shorts. Post DRESS CLOTHES online"

TO THIS I REPLY:

Well DUH! Here's the link to the dress code: http://www.21club.com/web/onyc/hours.jsp

I don't buy this woman's excuse for a minute. She was certainly up for a good enough time to book the trip and go to some shows, therefore, the excuse she was upset about her son's death isn't going to fly with me.

This is just another example of idiots taking over the United States. All this woman had to do was click the "21 Club" link and scroll down to "Hours and Dress Code"

Now exactly what is unclear about this request, taken directly from the 21 website?

Attire/Dress Code

Bar Room, Upstairs at '21', Cocktail Lounge & Wine Cellar: Jeans and sneakers are not permitted. Jackets are necessary for gentlemen with ties preferred at dinner.

I mean come on! If Jackets are necessary for gentleman, on what planet does that mean women in shorts - even if they are dress shorts - would be acceptable? Ok, one exception to the rule MIGHT be Bermuda, however, this is NYC and NOT Bermuda!

And, yes, surprise, surprise, dress codes are enforced.

Had this woman been allowed in, regardless of how she was dressed, I am positive she would have complained about 21 being too snooty or stiff. I've seen this type in action once too often to know what she is all about without ever having met her.

Click here for the review above, as well as other reviews

Back to Work on Wednesday - Finally

Well solitary confinement is over, I received the ok to return to work tomorrow from my doctor. While I did truly need last week off to recover, I felt well enough to return to work yesterday. So, I am finally returning to work.

Call me strange but I do enjoy my job. I am fortunate not to have a boring job, and, each and every day holds something new so it never gets stale. One day I might be trying to win a new client over for my company, the next I might be talking to a charity for a joint project, and, the next might find me on the phone all day scheduling appointments.