30 Before 30: #19

Over the weekend, I discovered a fabulous blog of a sorority sister of mine from undergrad.  She is biking across the United States as part of Big Ride Across America 2011 for the American Lung Association.  It's the kind of thing that makes you proud to know the person.  She's already surpassed her fundraising goal and has raised almost $2 a mile!  Ashley is on day 11 of her 48-day adventure, and I can't wait to read about how the rest of it goes.  Wouldn't it be amazing to be able to take 7 weeks and do something like this?

At any rate, what does this have to do with my #19, "Complete 30 acts of kindness/ charitable endeavors/ volunteer events"?, you might ask.  Well, I donated to Ashley's fundraising campaign!  Besides being truly inspired by Ashley, I think about how both of my dad's parents died of lung cancer and my brother is afflicted with asthma.  Every little bit helps.  Here's her donation page if you feel similarly inclined.

1 good deed done, 29 more to go!

Scavenger Hunt: Rockefeller's Church

As part of the adventure with my friend, we went to Rockfeller's Church (subject of Chapter 47) and saw parts of Morningside Heights and Seminary Row.  We left a more thorough tour of the latter two for another day.

John D. Rockfeller, Jr. was apparently interested in forming "interfaith bonds" and therefore wrote a check to the cathedral for $500k in the early 1900's.  (Ch. 47)  Wouldn't it be nice to be able to write a check like that? Just sayin'.  Anyway, the cathedral demurred (those Catholics!) because Rockfeller was a Baptist and they didn't want him determining how the money was spent (one of his stipulations). 

What I found most interesting is that the church is a mix of different Gothic styles.  Rockfeller paid the architects to go to Europe and pick their favorite elements from French, Italian, and Spanish designs.  Also, the church has humanistic elements like representations of Einstein, Darwin and Galileo on the west door.  The photos are above -- I have no idea which one is which!  It's also interesting that it was built like a skyscraper and the 22 stories could be occupied by offices and meeting rooms.  Not sure if it's actually being used that way, but the fact it was built like a skyscraper made it be completed in just 4 years.

Getting Fit: Update

It's been a little over a month since I've checked in with you folks about my progress (well, besides the big race!).  My how time flies.  No supremely noteworthy events to document.  Haven't really lost much weight (3lbs-ish over 4 weeks).  Haven't really lost much more size...  I will say that over a month ago, I unpacked all my summer/ spring clothes and NONE of the bottoms fit.  And when I mean none, I mean the pants I would reserve for my bummy, relaxed days would NOT button.  I also should admit that I got almost up to 140 lbs (I know I said I was scandalized about 132 but it totally got worse before it got better after that post).  Yeah, that was painful to write.  But no matter -- I'm now a svelte 128.  Yeah, maybe not so much with the svelte, but my aforementioned pants now FIT!!  Yay for an expanded wardrobe with no additional cost!

Without further ado, my new stats:

May 9 (133 lbs) --> May 25 (131 lbs) --> June 28 (128.4 lbs)

Waist: 27.3" --> 26.3" --> 25.5"
Hips: 38.8" --> 37.8" --> 38.8"
Chest: 35.4" --> 34.5" --> 35"
Thighs: 21.5" --> 23.3" --> 20.8"
Calves: 14.1" --> 14.3" --> 13.8"
Biceps: 10.4" --> 10.5" -->11.3"

The one thing that I'm having the BIGGEST problem with is cellulite.  That was also hard to say.  Like, what the f* happened to my butt/ thighs??!  I was reading an article last night in bed (yeah, obsessing about body issues right before you hit the hay is an awesome idea).  It seemed to imply that wearing pantyhose while sitting all day is about the worst thing you can do.  Hmm.... that may or may not have been my ENTIRE FIRST 5 MONTHS AT WORK. Deep breaths.  I also read that my level of cellulite is an ominous "level 3", which is apparently the hardest to get rid of.  Of course!  Now, I find myself looking at celebrities and pretty much every other woman in insane jealousy at their beautiful smooth hamstrings.  I've actually tried endermologie (hey - there was a groupon!). Let's just say it involved getting into a body-size pair of nylons and getting rubbed with a suctioning device by a Russian woman who could barely speak English - no joke.  I spent most of the time wondering what I was doing and where I was.  I've also starting "dry brushing" to stimulate circulation to the affected areas.  

Yes, I know I'm going cray-cray.  This is why I 1) shouldn't be left to my own devises and 2) should live with my husband who thinks I'm beautiful, blemished thighs and all.  Also on that note, I just booked a mini-beach vaca to Pensacola to visit my little brother.  Watch out fellow beach-goers because this shit is not being hidden from the sun!

Scavenger Hunt: Grant's Tomb

This adventure was more fun because I had a friend along with me!  Yes, I have found someone who also thinks that treating my book as a scavenger hunt guide is a great idea.  And I'm so happy to share.  Well, on this particular trip we went to upper Manhattan.  We met for brunch at French Roast.  Then we walked 40 block north in Riverside Park, which began being constructed in 1880. (Ch. 73).  While I summered in NY in 2009, I enjoyed running in Riverside Park because it was much closer to my apartment than Central Park.

At the top of the park up by 122nd Street, is Grant's Tomb, which was officially opened in 1897.  (Ch. 106).  One thing I found really interesting (and a little surprising actually) is that New York won out over other cities vying for the honor of having Grant buried in their city.  New York won out over Galena, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri.  Apparently, in the early 20th century, more people went to Grant's Tomb than the Statue of Liberty.  (Ch. 106).

The motto between the 2 women is "Let us have peace."  Amen, to that.

If only I could calculate roman numerals quickly!

Grant and his wife Julia were laid to rest side by side in red granite coffins. 
Busts of Grant's best generals surround them in the room.

This is actually a mosaic.  The colors were very vibrant and the detailing was magnificent.  This is when Robert E. Lee surrendered to Grant.  The gentleman who was on duty at the tomb told us all about all the mosaics in the mausoleum.  He kind of went on and on about them actually.  He must have been lonely.

We also went to Rockefeller's Riverside Church and the Cloisters/Fort Tryon Park, but I'll save those for other posts. :)

8 Month Check In

A little over eight months ago I moved away from my husband and started my legal career at BigLawNYC LLP.  And let me just say this, it's beginning to weigh on me.  The hours.  The distance.  The stress.  Even when the hours aren't that bad, I have the constant worry that at any moment they could get really bad.  As in, drop everything, your life now belongs to the firm bad.  Sleep? For the weak.  Seeing your husband? Too bad so sad.  This article actually really resonates with me and that makes me sad.

I'm still trying to figure out when exactly this happened to me.  When I started really disliking my job.  I don't dislike the work.  I dislike not getting work all day and then getting an email at 7pm at night for work to do that night.  I dislike checking my blackberry at 9:45pm on a Sunday night, meeting a friend for a drink and then coming home to an email with work to do that night, which also happens to consume the last few waking hours that E and I have together.  This is just insane. (Speaking of which, I just got an email for work... It's 11:30pm at night.  Yes, I write my posts in advance.)

I thought that I was intense.  I thought that I could cut it.  Right now, it doesn't feel like it.  I think that if E and I lived in the same city it wouldn't feel so bleak.  I can only hope that day comes sooner rather than later.

As for now, I'm trying to be the best attorney I can be.  Do my assignments with a smile on my face and try to keep a positive attitude.  Some days it's harder than others -- sorry to my summer associate for a downer lunch last week (it's not all bad, I swear!).  It hasn't been easy for the last 2 weeks or so but hopefully, I'll snap out of it soon.  To keep me occupied, I've come up with a plan to achieve #10 on my list (see the right).  I'm running in the March 4, 2012 Napa Valley Marathon.  I have all my workouts planned for the next 36 weeks.  Yes, I know that's hardcore, but a girl's gotta have a plan, right?  I'll blog about that plan later.

You would think that having a hardcore activity in your free time would be something admirable in an employee, right? Well, unfortunately, at my group's event last night, I found out that might not be the case!  I was making small talk with email-me-after-hours partner and mentioned something about work, got chastised and so went to a good fall back -- what I do in my free time.  Well, after that, I was telling a different partner about the Corporate Challenge and about how since I'm long distance from my husband, I've found something to do in my spare time -- train for a marathon.  I was also using this as an excuse to bow out "early" and not go drinking with everyone after our boat cruise.  Oh, yeah, bummer I can't go out... I have a 3-miler scheduled for the morning...  Anyway, his response to my talking about training:  Oh, you have time to go to the gym?  Hmmmm.... that's not right.  We'll have to fix that.  Ummmmm..... WTF!?  Let's give him the benefit of the doubt and say that he was joking.  NOT appropriate!  I was so stressed after I left the event that I had to call my MiL and my husband and just ask whether I just messed up and now I'm not going to have any free time because apparently that's unacceptable. Argh! I wanted to be an NYC atty, why!?

Running in Central Park: Actually a Race Participant!

Watch out for attorneys in running gear!

I know I've complained A LOT about running in Central Park.  Well, I decided to be a race participant as opposed to a race crasher.  Every year across the country, JPMorgan has a Corporate Challenge.  Think of it as a big cross country meet for all the companies, banks, law firms in the major cities.   New York's is a 2-day event and my firm participated in the 2nd day.  I've been training since the beginning of March -- hence the getting fit goal.  I was never actually sure that I would have the night off to run it. (Not to mention having the guts to have co-workers take photos!) NY-ers are too cool for cameras.  I'm just the cheesy one that likes them... for everything.)

Like I said, THOUSANDS of runners!

Well, I did!  I also think I set my sights too low.  My goal time to finish the 3.5 mile race was 40 minutes.  Well, I blew that away! 33:59 baby!!  Also, there were THOUSANDS of people -- seriously, by thousands, I mean like 15,000 people.  Because I could never really get more than a 1.5 foot radius of space around me.  I figure my time is more like 33 minutes, which makes it a 9:30-minute mile! Yay me!

Finisher!!!

Scavenger Hunt: Trump Tower

You're fired!




Okay, when talking about Trump Tower, I just couldn't help myself.  Yes, I admit it.  I watch the Apprentice and the Celebrity Apprentice.  I love reality tv sometimes.  It's just fascinating to see how people interact.  Sure, it's a little (okay, more than a little at times) fake, but I'm a fan.


Anyway, I've walked past this building on 5th Avenue many times -- usually on my way to/ from shopping.  Although many buildings in NY have the "Trump" name on them, this is the only Trump Tower.  It opened in 1983 and is 59 stories tall.  (Ch. 175).  In the 1980's "public space" (used to increase the number of stories), no longer needed to be outdoor space (like with the Seagram Building).  Therefore, Trump Tower has an interior atrium space with a waterfall along the back wall.

The marble is apparently Breccia Pernice marble, selected by Ivana Trump herself.  As far as offerings inside the building, I was underwhelmed.  I did go out on one of the terraces to see what it was like up there.  This is what they look like from below:

The photos I took from the terrace were not that exciting so I'll spare you the boredom of seeing the photo.  One parting photo:

30 Before 30

I've been thinkin'.  My 20's are ticking away, and I'm trying to find inspiration.  What is it that I want to have accomplished by the time I hit the big 3-0?  This is not an unusual inclination.  Google "30 before 30" and you'll find oodles of websites and blogs devoted to the concept.  Like this one.  You'll also find "bucket list" websites.

As for me, I have 807 days until I hit September 2, 2013.  Plenty of time to accomplish everything I want to and more.  Besides, E and I have had "the talk" and are waiting to even consider starting our family until after my 30th.  So, definitely doable.  (Ignoring the fact that I can be put on a deal at any given moment that will suck up all my free time).

So, without further ado, my list in no particular order:

1. Learn to fly.
2. Read 20 books. (30 would sound cooler but there’s just no way I can read more than a book a month!)
3. Have my hair be dye-free. (This one is almost like cheating because I’m almost there, but I think it worthy of the list since I’ve colored my hair in some fashion since I was, like, 14).
4. Travel to Greece.
5. Live in the same city as my husband.
6. Hit 125 lbs. and stay there!
7. Finish our engagement album.
8. Convert all my childhood photos to digital form.
9. Pay off 35% of the balance of my loans/debt (paying off 12 of 15 actual loans).
10. Run a marathon in wine country.
11. Learn Spanish.
12. Plan an actual sit-down dinner party with place cards!
13. Start and finish a Martha Stewart craft project.
14. Locate my childhood diaries.
15. Eat vegan for 30 days.
16. Revisit the Butchart Gardens - one of my favorite childhood memories.
17. Revisit Sanibel Island - same.
18. Integrate a daily yoga practice back into my routine.
19. Complete 30 acts of kindness/ charitable endeavors/ volunteer events.
20. Travel to a U.S. city purely because of a restaurant/ something I saw on tv.
21. Learn how to snowboard. (E will like this one)
22. Go to an amusement park.
23. Make my own astrology chart (or cave and just pay someone to do it! -- either way “get ‘er done”).
24. See a platypus.
25. Learn how to make tom ka gai.
26. Eat dim sum.
27. Eat at Per Se.
28. Create an emergency fund of 3 months.
29. Go to a psychic.
30. Celebrate 30 in style!

While looking for inspiration/ ideas on my list, I came across things that I have already done.  It actually made me pretty happy.

Many things I’ve already done that would have been list-worthy:

1. Cook Thanksgiving/ Christmas dinners.
2. Move to a big city.
3. Go letterboxing.
4. Fly in a private jet.
5. Dance on stage in front of over 1,000 people.
6. Live abroad.
7. Visit the rain forest.
8. Get certified in yoga instruction.
9. Knit a scarf.
10. Backpack on the Appalachian Trail.

Happy Birthday, Hubby

Amongst the vines where he loves to be!

My husband turned 28 this past Monday so he came to NYC to celebrate.  And celebrate we did!  I treated my man to a massage at my gym (while I worked out).  Later that afternoon, we braved the terrible NYC weather (really rainy and cold this weekend) to buy him some new jeans.  E was a trooper and tried on 9 pairs of jeans -- no joke.  We walked away with 2 (yay for 40% off coupons in emails).  THEN we had dinner at Veritas.  It was A-MAZ-ING.  I think what made it the most amazing, besides the fabulous wine list and the delicious food, was the fact that the maitre d actually read my open table reservation note about it being my husband's birthday.  They even comped us champagne to start!

On our way to the dinner, we flagged a cab (decided to splurge because it was crappy weather).  The cab driver asked us if we were on our honeymoon.  Seriously!  We told him that we've been married almost two years and he proceeded to talk our heads off all the way to restaurant.  He was really nice and it actually was a sweet way to start the evening.  Who doesn't like being confused for honeymooners?!

Another part of Erik's gift was the following list -- An Ode to My Hubby.

28 Reasons Erik Is Awesome

1. He is someone who cares deeply about other people. 
2. He’s brilliant! 
3. He is motivated. 
4. He reaches for his goals. 
5. He is passionate about his interests. 
6. He gives spontaneous foot rubs. 
7. He is a great friend. 
8. He’s loyal. 
9. He is a hard worker. 
10. He wears his sneakers until they die. 
11. He’s a great chef. 
12. He would make a great personal trainer. 
13. He is my best friend. 
14. He likes tv shows with love story lines. 
15. He loves wine. 
16. He loves champagne Tuesdays. 
17. He loves champagne Wednesdays. . . 
18. [Redacted <3] 
19. He plays the guitar and was in a band. 
20. He enjoys watching NFL games. 
21. He loves BWWs. 
22. He is a great husband. 
23. He enjoys watching romantic comedies. 
24. He loves fine dining. 
25. He’s willing to try new things. 
26. He loves (our) cats. 
27. He wants to retire on a vineyard. 
28. He will make a great dad.

So, Erik, my husband, my best friend, Happy Birthday!

New Hair! (again)

There's really one thing I'm not good at and that's keeping my hair the same.  Every time I go to the hair salon it's something different.  As my husband's friend Rob says, "Variety is the spice of life."  Well, just call me Blazin'™ (yes, that's BWWs reference).

At any rate, in my quest to go dye-free for my hair, I got 3 inches cut off last night.  AND I decided that it was time to embrace my wavy hair and go curly for the summer.  At this point, I only have about an inch and 1/2 of colored hair left!  One of my unspoken goals this year is to go back to my natural color before I start going grey.  Considering when members of my family have gone grey, I'm ahead of the curve.  Time to take advantage of the lower-cost hair maintenance.  Here's the result:

For anyone in NYC that reads my blog (you never know), I go to Timothy J salon in midtown and see Teresa.  She's awesome (and only $60). :)

Scavenger Hunt: Seagram Building & Lever House

On my walk to Social Eatz on Memorial Day, I walked past two buildings that I just knew had to be mentioned in my trusty Inside the Apple.  So, while chowing down on FABULOUS food, I tried to find them (yes, I carry it with me everywhere like a tourist).  And I found them in Chapter 158!  That means that you get to see them too!

First up, the Lever House.

Both of the buildings are said to be the first skyscrapers in NYC that broke from the mold of so-called "classic" skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building.  Lever House was completed in 1952 and was for Lever soap company as part of its move to be "closer to the action" of advertising.  (Think Mad Men).  It's *only* 21 stories and has a second story garden that is only accessible to employees.

Next up is the Seagram Building.

This building was built in 1958 to celebrate Joseph E. Seagram Corporation's centennial and was the distillery's new headquarters.  Notably, this building had floor to ceiling windows with no sills or interior ledges for the first time ever.  It was considered the "Rolls Royce" of office buildings.  The "sweeping" plaza was also the inspiration for other office buildings.  However, I don't know why they had this in their plaza:

Why the desk lamp is melted into the poor stuffed bear's head is beyond me.  I found it rather disturbing actually.  Apparently, the lamp is on and for sale at Christie's this fall.

101 Things to Do in NYC in the Spring: Brooklyn Brewery (w/ photos)

Another part of my get-to-know-my-city series, is checking things off from a list from TimeOut NY [link].  Erik was in town this past weekend and another friend of mine from undergrad was in town so we decided to make a day of it in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

As part of our Brooklyn adventures, we checked #2 off of the list.

2. Tour Brooklyn Breweryʼs expanded factory and try its new suds.  Thereʼs more than ever to love at this Williamsburg beer destination, which just expanded into the warehouse next door. That means 12,000 more barrels of hoppy goodness per year, and a chance to learn about the brewing process amid brand-new German equipment. After your tour, toast the educational process with the newest brew, Brooklyn Main Engine Start, a dry, golden ale perfect for a springy outlook ($4, six for $20). 79 North 11th St between Berry St and Wythe Ave; Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-486-7422, brooklynbrewery.com). Sat, Sun 1–5pm; free.

This was the only photo we took!  We waited in line for about 20 minutes and then waited in the beer line for another 25 minutes.  At that point, we were only focused on the beer and the tour.  My favorite beer is the Brooklyn Lager but I tried others.  Erik might have some photos on his phone, so I’ll see if I can get him to send them too me—he’s pretty terrible about sharing his photos.  I’m still waiting for his photos from our trip to Spain... which was in September!

Next, we hit up The Whiskey Brooklyn, which was another bar.  The cool part was you had to walk down a flight of stairs and go into a basement to be in the bar.  They had modern games as well as some old fashioned ones.  It would be an awesome place to spend the evening.  We also noticed another strange thing about Williamsburg—EVERYONE was our age.  It was really weird for me.  Erik didn’t seem as bothered by it but that might be because he lives near a university.

After that, we went to a German biergarten, Radegast, to meet my friend from undergrad.  I hadn’t seen her in almost 10 years!  This is why I love Facebook and continue to be a member.  She had posted that she was going to be in NYC, so I messaged her and said that I would love to see her if she had time.  She messaged me right back and our reunion was set.  Now, here’s the tragedy—We didn’t take any pictures!! I’m really upset about that actually.  It just means that we’ll have to see each other again soon.  She lives in Atlanta still so it’s definitely possible.  Let’s try to make it less than 10 years from now though!

UPDATED with NEW PHOTOS (6/10/11):

So E finally came through on the photos.  Here's some more pics from our adventure:

We bought tokens for beer (notice the awesome Converse shoes in the background

)!

Camera phone photo and all, we look pretty cute!

This was the TOUR.  Yes, that's right.  It was a POSTER.

Aw, a kitty!  Don't mind the slightly tipsy person bugging you...

Old fashion bottles!

Cheap Artwork

When I first moved into my studio here in NY, I bought a rather large canvas from Lee's Art Shop.  Had no idea at the time it was popular with celebrities.  It was actually difficult to get it home.  When you are used to driving everywhere, it's sometimes easy to forget that carrying a 4' x 3' canvas home on a windy day would be hard...

Anyway, I spent an evening in early March painting.  It was the first time I had painted since leaving Nashville.  Here is the painting as a work in progress.

As an overall piece of art, I find it rather juvenile.  In fact, it's a little embarrassing to put it out there.  However, Erik likes it.  It reminds me of ball pits and circuses, which are rather juvenile.  I also like the chaos and how it reminds me of those eye tests you take as a child to see whether you are color blind or not.  The colors make me happy and go with my otherwise monochrome pallet in the apartment -- the white couch tends to freak people out a bit.

Looks like this but picture two of these babies in front (in Lemongrass)

Scavenger Hunt: Andy Warhol

Awhile ago, I wandered around the City and then SoHo.  Well, I came across this random statute of Andy Warhol in Union Square.  I, of course, took a picture.

After I was done taking the photo, this really rude man asked me if I knew who he was.  I had headphones on so I didn't hear him at first.  Like, why is this person talking to me?  I took my headphones out of my ears and the guy was seriously asking me if I knew who the statute was of in a sarcastic, you're a dumb tourist kind of way.  I rolled my eyes at him at walked away.  For one, the guy's name is written on the stupid statue.  And second, let's say I didn't know who it was, why is that a problem?

What I did not know was the backstory to this statue.  While looking around TimeOut NY to find things to do over Memorial Day weekend, this is what I found about it:

Rob Pruitt, The Andy Monument
Through Oct 2
Home to statues of George Washington and Mahatma Gandhi, Union Square makes room for this tribute to Andy Warhol, whose Factory was also located in the nabe between 1968 and 1984. Andy is shown in all his silver splendor, with his trusty Polaroid camera around his neck. Union Square, E 17th St at Broadway (212-223-7800, publicartfund.org). Subway: L, N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq.

I didn't want to post until I knew what it was.  Finding public art is definitely one of my new favorite things.  Hope you enjoy my new hobby too.

Another Sunday, Another Race to Crash

Sticking with my Sunday routine, I went for a run in the park this morning before meeting a friend for brunch.  The last two Sundays I've been a bit iffy about continuing to run in the park.  Sure, it's been fun and I'm running on the same loop that I will be running for the Corporate Challenge, but there are downsides.  For one, the first uphill of my loop is where horse-drawn carriages bottleneck.  This leads to some unpleasant odors during one of the more difficult parts of my workout.  Second, it's getting to be summertime, which means that there are more people in the park.

This Sunday, the horses and the people were there.  I crashed yet another race.  This was the first one that was actually disruptive to my route—as in, I actually had to double back at Bethesda Terrace.

BUT a few things happened after the race encounter that make me reconsider.  First, I saw this elderly man that I've seen every weekend.  He must come to the park at the same time as me.  His jog is more like my fast walk, but he's out there doing it.  I respect that.  Second, I saw this other man with his dog—a pug.  The dog is so cute!  He carries a bright neon green tennis ball in his mouth and looks so happy.  Seeing these familiar faces makes me feel less alone and like I have a community. . .  Maybe I won't stop running in the park.  We'll see.

Social Eatz & Angelo Sosa

Erik and I are HUGE  Top Chef fans.  For instance, when I summered in NYC I met Carla!  I don't think I blogged about it, but a few months ago when returning really late from work (like 2:30am), I rode the elevator in my building up with Hung, winner of Top Chef!  I was super creepy and when I thought I recognized him, I stole glances at his laundry bag.  Finally, I couldn't take it anymore, and I asked him if he was Hung from Top Chef.  He said yes, and like the cool person I am, I spazzed and said that I wish I had something for him to sign.  He said that we live in the same building and we're bound to bump into each other again.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago when Erik was in town -- of course, I had to call and wake him up the night of several months ago.  Anyway, Erik and I are leaving my building and while in the revolving door we see Hung.  I spazz (of course) and signal with my eyes to Erik who is immediately behind me.  I'm sure Hung saw us and thought that we were going to kidnap him or something. God we're so freakin' creepy!  Why can't we just keep our cool?

Anyway, to the main point of this post.  On Memorial Day, I decided on a lark to go to Social Eatz, restaurant by Angelo Sosa, today since I had the time to go and had been wanting to go for awhile.  I mean, I liked it on Facebook afterall!

And let me tell you, it was fabulous!  Absolutely fabulous.  When I got there, I sat at a table at the sidewalk so I could people watch.  I asked my server, Kyle, if, by chance, Angelo was there that day.  (Erik and I went to Lola in Cleveland on our move out East and Iron Chef Symon was not there - though not really that surprised.  Wow, that's a subject for a blog post.  Making note of it now....).

Menu

I got the Hanoi burger and a side of fries with this AMAZING cheese sauce.  HEAVEN!

Here's a pic of my view:

I looked out at the street for at least an additional 30 minutes than I would have otherwise.  When I asked the server if Angelo was in, he said that he wasn't BUT he would be very soon.  So, I ordered a second beverage and waited.  Well, he ended up coming!  He came in to see two servicewomen who were fans when he wasn't planning on coming in.  Isn't that pretty great?  I totally rode on their coat tails and got to see him too.

I only wish I dressed cuter!  My interaction with Angelo was way more awkward than it needed to be.  Let's just say that he was really down to earth (and remembered my name when I was leaving!) and I was a complete spazz.  Sigh.  I asked him if he would be around for Erik's birthday weekend and he said that it was totally possible and to call ahead of time.  So, looks like E will get to meet him too.  (Erik accuses me of only doing fun stuff when he's out of town).

Circle of Animals or Zodiac Heads

Erik cancelled on me this weekend (ugh, our jobs!) and so I went to my favorite go-to activity website, Time Out New York.  I was looking for something that was free and that wouldn't take me too far out of my way.  I found this:

Ai Weiwei, Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads
Through July 15
Silenced by Chinese authorities, Ai speaks through this public sculpture, based on an artwork looted by Europeans in 1860. The piece contrasts China’s past humiliations with its emerging superpower status. Pulitzer Fountain, Grand Army Plaza, Central Park, Fifth Ave between 58th and 59th Sts (zodiacheads.com). Subway: N,Q, R to Fifth Ave–59th St; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St.

After visiting his website, I learned that he has been captured by Chinese authorities.  He has been missing since April 3rd and based on some other blogs/ websites I've looked at, his family still doesn't know whether he's officially detained or whether he's alive.  Why is that the case?  Why do people do these things to each other?