Wishing everyone a safe, and not too scary Halloween

The view from my window this morning

Clearly the holiday that is on Monday is Christmas right?


I never thought weather would be such a topic on my blog but indeed I'm posting about it again. It is not even November and I am hearing words like heavy snow bands and noreaster. Where is the dislike button on Facebook when you need one (NO SERIOUSLY MARK WHERE IS IT?! Facebook is revamped every three and a half minutes yet that idea still hasn't entered your uber-brain?)


I had to borrow snow boots this afternoon because I haven't bought a pair for this season yet. The trees are still filled with leaves, which by the way is really dangerous because it weighs them down more, leading to more falling trees. I mean, my apartment's heat hasn't been turned on yet, I am freezing.

Dear Jack Frost,
Please Go to Hell and give me
the rest of the Fall and Winter off.
Unfavorably Yours,
Elisa

The week in review

Well I had one eventful week!

Last Friday night, Lauren and I found ourselves babysitting for 8 children! It should go without saying that watching that many children is hectic; does everyone have food? can they agree on what to watch? why are they screaming? is everybody ready for bed?- but luckily it was a lot less eventful than the last time we did it and all ten of us came out of it none the worse for wear. In fact the most eventful thing that happened that night was the we managed to find BBC4'S HOLY FLYING CIRCUS on youtube, which I had been dying to see since I heard about it and wasn't airing in America in the foreseeable future. I would post it here but sadly the movie was taken down for copy-write infringement BBC = Nazis but hopefully I'll manage to get to get a review up one of these days.


Fast forward to Tuesday, which was the much anticipated (in NY area) WPLJ's Scott and Todd 20th Anniversary Concert with Duran Duran at Madison Square Garden, which had been hyped since probably Spring. I was excited for the DJs but I never had any intentions on paying to go to the show and it seemed days were dwindling to win a set. However, what I was excited about was the pre-show bash at Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square where there was live music and chances to win. At Five O'clock we went with GiGi, who decided she quite likes Rock and Roll (Girl after my own heart) and put our names in the entry box. Everybody was having a blast and things just kept getting better as our friend Bill snuck us in to the VIP section and then Lauren and I both won tickets to Duran Duran with opener Neon Trees!! Nothing like a surprise concert to get me excited!

Duran Duran from Pro Cameras, view from MSG
seats would never produce this picture

PLJ recap page

Oh And did I mention David Cook announced a concert in NYC for December?! Excitement overload


I suppose having so many nice surpirses made me adventurous because I tried Thai Food this week for the first time. Well perhaps it was half excitement half the rave review by my boss, thanks Nicole! Last week she told us how GiGi had loved her dinner play date at Room Service (166 8th Avenue) and that one day we should try it and this week we did. As per her suggestion, we split Chicken Pad Thai and Chicken Satay and it was phenomenal, my mouth is literally watering thinking about it.


All and all, I'd say it was a pretty good week, and best of all, my favorite holiday not counting david Cook album drop day is Monday!

Tiny Rockstars: they grow up so fast don't they?

The first time anyone had heard of, or seen Hayden Peek- the son of David Cook and the Anthemic drummer Kyle Peek, he was nothing more than a spunky diaper-clad toddler cheering, and trying to get on stage to play with his daddy.




Though, for fans it maybe hard to believe, that was three years ago when Cook's career was just beginning and now Hayden has grown into a full-fledged mini-Rockstar!!!

JOE COFFEE, 9TH AND 24TH

Don't tell Starbucks I am having an affair, and anyway, it is his own damn fault.


Let's start at the beginning; two weeks ago, I was rushing around tenth avenue desperately seeking a bathroom after my daily Starbucks vist left me with an all too full bladder. After the bank on the corner of 23rd informed me that theirs was for employees only I ran down to the cafe next door in desperation. It turned out to be Joe Coffee shop who kindly let me use theirs, in spite of the Starbucks cup in my hand.


After the immediate pee pants danger had passed, I walked back towards the door admiring my surroundings: the blue walls, the kitchy art, the little tables and it was love at first sight. I though that this must have been what it looked like in FALLING IN LOVE AT THE COFFEE SHOP, except for my lonely single status,and I made it a mental point to taste whatever coffee it was that I was smelling. Being the ever patient person that I am I went back three days later and two other times since. The coffee, Peaberry something tastes as good as it smells and appears to be the only blend.

This used to be something that annoyed me because I get bored easily (I believe experts call it ADD) but in the horrible, cold winter there was over a month straight where Starbucks served the most vile bold they had leading to my having to buy more expensive and more fattening lattes or inferior tasting coffee from chain establishments. STARBUCKS DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO TREAT A LADY!!

So, while most days it is nice to have my grande in a venti, dark as night, sweet and creamy flavor of the week in a mermaid cup, it is nice to have a place to just get a large labelless alternative.

WALKING ON THE PIERS

With weather cool enough to keep you from baking under the hot sun yet warm enough to not freeze when wind blows up from the Hudson River. Autumn is a great time to go for a walk on the Chelsea Piers. With a waterfront view, sprawling lawns, and numerous other fun aspects, walking the piers is a great way to get lost on a sunny afternoon.

10 Reasons to Love the Terrible Twos

Having dealt with children for the better part of ten years and more importantly, having watched G grow from tiny bundle to miniature person over the last two years, I found this article extreamly interesting and profoundly true.

FROM PARENTS MAGAZINE

They're Leaders in the Making

Although their strong wills can exhaust Mom and Dad, toddlers are natural leaders when it comes to decision making. They're opinionated, bossy, and know what they want -- even if it's cookies for dinner. Their demanding nature, if channeled appropriately, can help mold them into natural, confident adults whom others look up to. So how do you tame your budding CEO? Heidi Murkoff, who writes the What to Expect series, encourages parents to "provide some choice whenever possible. Being able to make decisions ('Do you want to eat cereal or yogurt this morning?') helps a toddler feel more in control." As we all know, Little Miss Independent is happiest when she can call the shots.

They Think Outside the Sandbox

Putting crayon marks on the wall and dead bugs in mom's underwear drawer may not seem like acts of genius, but 2-year-olds do have their own way of looking at life. They are creatures without inhibitions and with raw creativity, approaching everything they do with fresh eyes and passion. But this artistic flair can lead to outright destruction if not guided correctly. If you provide a "free creativity" space, like a backyard sandbox or a driveway with sidewalk chalk, your young artist can express himself without causing lasting damage. More important, these precious moments of unrestrained play give your mini Van Gogh the self-reliance he desperately desires, building his confidence and making it easier for him to settle down when it's time to be calm.

They Have an Adventurous Spirit

My fearless toddler is a climber. He monkeys his way onto tables and high beds, then launches himself without thought into piles of pillows and blankets. This perilous play frays parents' nerves, but limits and supervision can instill courage. Jana Murphy, author of The Secret Lives of Toddlers, believes this adventurous spirit is actually necessary for self-discovery: "There's a fine line between shielding your toddler from danger and frustration, and smothering him. Unless there's an immediate danger, let your child climb the stairs, pick up the big rock, step in the puddle, and let him try a little longer to put together the puzzle himself. He needs a chance to realize his limitations, his strengths, and his ability to make things happen on his own."

They're Willing Little Helpers

Two-year-olds are notorious for an "I can do it myself!" mentality -- a stubborn attitude that can discourage even the most patient parents. This self-sufficient spirit also makes for great helpers who love to help put away piles of laundry, get diapers for younger siblings, or even feed the dog. One way I curb this ubiquitous power struggle is to find a toddler-size chore that my 2-year-old can help me with. If I'm unloading the dishwasher, he can "organize" the Tupperware cabinet. If I'm folding laundry, he gets a small bundle of clothes to "fold" as well. I've learned that if I give him his own task, he is happily occupied while learning that helping Mommy is fun.

They Live in the Moment

Though their short attention spans can be wearisome, we could all learn a thing or two about being present. Instead of holding grudges or worrying about the past, toddlers focus on what is before them -- often content, amused, and in awe. From eating a cupcake to building with blocks, every second is savored. As for meltdown moments, take comfort in the fact that if we just wait a few minutes, our tumultuous toddlers will soon forget and be over what's ailing them.

They're in Touch with Their Emotions

Crying one minute and belly laughing the next, toddlers are the epitome of an emotional roller coaster, but this expressive nature will serve them well as they grow (and learn to control their emotions, of course). Being able to emote is a quality that many adults lack and one that is crucial for sustaining healthy relationships with family and friends. Emotional skills can be learned sooner than we may think. As Tracy Hogg, author of Secrets of the Baby Whisperer for Toddlers, explains, "Studies have shown that children as young as fourteen months can begin to identify and even anticipate mood (theirs and their caretakers'), feel empathy, and, as soon as they're verbal, talk about feelings as well." Although it may be on a simpler level, you can still have a heart-to-heart with your toddler.

They Make Great Students

From colors to shapes to songs, little ones love to learn new things, dissect toys, and explore various environments. Their inquisitive nature, combined with sponge-like brains, make them storage bins of information. With their language skills rapidly developing, this is a peak time to teach them multiple languages. Best of all, opportunities to learn are everywhere. From a trip to the park to walking the dog, every moment brings new discoveries. By making up songs, creating new games, and involving your toddler in hands-on activities, you can encourage her curiosity for life and its mysteries. After all, parents are their most important teachers.

They See the Best in People

Toddlers have an innately trusting spirit -- they see all new, kind faces as friends. This willingness to play with and smile at anyone they come across is a trait that many grown-ups could benefit from developing. They are quick to laugh, easy to entertain, and at a prime stage to learn about loving relationships, healthy boundaries, and acts of kindness. By embracing their naturally soft-hearted natures, and nurturing them with patience and gentle guidance, we can empower tots to have successful interactions for the rest of their lives.

They Find Joy in the Little Things

My husband and son have a routine: Every night they go outside to look at the moon. They both look forward to it, but my toddler gets especially excited, pointing to the sky and proclaiming proudly, "Moon! Moon!" From rocks to flowers to baby toes, my little man delights in life's smallest pleasures. These moments aren't just for our kids. As Murphy reminds us, "You get two big windows of opportunity in your life to do stuff like build castles, watch Sesame Street, and just plain play: the first when you are a child, the second when you have one. Don't get too busy or wrapped up in the grown-up stuff to miss it." Whether he's digging in dirt or decorating a homemade card, it's the simple pleasures that give any toddler the most joy.

They Believe Kisses Are Magic

When life's inevitable boo-boos come their way, tots often need nothing more than a kiss from Mom or Dad. This affectionate gesture is a parent's most powerful tool, for what toddlers need most at this tender age is love, direction, and the security of knowing a parent's comforting embrace is always an arm's reach away.

Best new drama...

It is the middle of October which means that, for the most part, the new TV season is underway and while there are still one or two shows still to air, I am officially naming REVENGE best new drama. The story centers around a young woman, Amanda, enacting revenge on people who framed her father for terrorist attacks when she was a child.

Every episode is about Amanda, now called Emily (Emily Van Camp) taking down another member of the Hamptons elite, all the while circling in on enemy number one Victoria Greyson (Madeleine Stowe.) Oh Victoria Greyson, the Queen Bee of entitled society, the world bends at her command. Stowe, who somehow hasn't aged a minute since 1995's TWELVE MONKEYS, plays this brilliantly, with a stoic bitch portrail that rivals that of Meryl Streep in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA.

I am so addicted to this show. I mean like TORCHWOOD addicted, partly for that selfish reason that uninsured twenty sometimes without their own apartments loves seeing bad stuff happen to people who have more money than God, but also because it is such a great show. It has that perfect pairing of soapy indulgence and relatability that makes you believe it could be happening.

REVENGE airs Wednesdays at 10 on ABC

I saw Contagion

You may recall that when I started this blog I considered naming it "confessions" or "adventures of an uninsured hypochondriac" and indeed I have a history of overreacting; when the stomach flu hit me in January, I thought I was going to die. That actually isn’t the worst case scenario because I truly believe that that is as close to death as anyone without a chronic disease like HIV or cancer can get. But let’s be honest, whatever it is they are suffering from on (insert your favorite doctor drama here) is usually the least possible diagnosis of the common symptoms the patient shows. They say things like, “this almost never happens” but that doesn’t mean, when the symptoms hit me, I don’t think, “maybe I am the .01% that does die from hiccups.


It doesn’t help that, as I mentioned in my first Washington blog, this winter literally saw me sick with something or other constantly from the beginning of January right through to the first few weeks of spring. Clearly, this was due to horrible luck or even more dreadful immunity (probably that one because from mid August until the end of September, I suffered from Ear infection turned cold turned sinus infection) but I asked my doctor the chances that the chronic cough was due to lung cancer. Just to be clear, I don’t smoke- never did- and have never lived with anyone who does, but understand that, no matter how outrageous that sounds, I truly believed that it was possible. That is how my mind operates, I can’t see medical logic in the moment, I am working on it but it is a struggle.

Seeing movies like CONTAGION probably doesn’t help. It was an amazing movie that really takes you through the struggles of what it is like to be against diseases from every angle. Kate Winslett leads the charge of characters who deal with the disease from a medical side, trying to find a cure while trying to keep the population from panicking. Jude Law shined as the “crack pot” who calmly takes to the web to expose the truth about the government covering up the true cure because of ulterior motives, played perfectly against the population in panic. And then there is Matt Damon; brilliant as a man who loses his wife and stepson to this mysterious illness and barricades his daughter inside to wait out the storm, desperate to protect his last family member.

Basically, I am saying that it was one of the best movies of the year, but why would I see that film? I take crowded public transit everyday and let’s be frank, my immunity is clearly weak lately, if the Contagion virus hit, I would so get it. Not to mention they trace the virus back to bad fruit poisoned by a bat that then was consumed by a pig that turned out to be Gweneth Paltrow’s dinner (and don’t think for one minute that stuck up vegan took on the role for any other reason than to showcase how meat will kill us all.) I had pork ribs for dinner that night.

In conclusion, we are all going to die wash your hand a lot, don’t touch your face, cough into your close, wash your hands some more, and if you feel particularly contagious stay away from society.

Thanks :)

Apple Picking

It's that time of year again. Leaves are changing, sleeves are are getting longer, I am beginning to get depressed at the idea of the return of endless cold and snow storms hot chocolates are becoming a treat option once again, and the apples are in full bloom. The weekends are beautiful- not too hot and not too cold- and a great activity choice for any age group, is apple picking.


I have been looking forward to my family's annual foray into farm life since Labor and, on a warm Autumn day, we piled into the car and made the hour long trip to the orchard.

My father in a tree, moments before he fell, landing with a leg on either side of a branch

The best part is that most orchards also have pumpkin patches so, the later you go, the more you can pick while there. The worst part of apple picking, for me, is the apple cider donuts. They taste phenomenal and are fresh out of the oil and into your bag. I am not a donuts eater except for this one time a year, but when I indulge, I really indulge. I literally ate them until my stomach started to hurt. So, I hope, for your sake, that you have better restraint than I do.

RIP STEVE JOBS

42nd Anniversary of MONTY PYTHON'S FLYING CIRCUS

Or, as John Cleese pointed out on the 40th anniversary the anniversary of the 13 years of Python? Well either way, 42 years ago, one of my favorite shows started to air in England. While I wasn't born for almost 17 more years, this will always be a special day for me because I believe without Python, I wouldn't have had as many laughs in the last decade.

In celebration, I figured I'd share some great bits by the comedy troupe starting with my favorite...

HAPPY FORTIETH BIRTHDAY TO THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

and my favorite place to visit Walt Disney World!

So Mickey, when are we going to get together again?