I have a confession: I have never gone out on New Years Eve. Its not like I'm weird and drinkingI don't like going out it's just, I love money more. For ten years I've spent the night babysitting, at first I was too young to have plans and even when I was old enough I've always looked at it like "I can go out anytime," aside from the money I can make I save money by not spending on everything overpriced.

Tonight, for the first time, I am not working but honestly going out is the last thing I want to do. Thursday morning my boss left for the hospital (only to return home hours later) at 3am. Thursday night, due to the fact the fact that Tommy could come at anytime, Lauren and I slept at work and once again my boss for hospital at 3am (and his name is Rob Thomas backwards!) Now don't get me wrong I loved being with Gigi for all of this, there is nowhere I would have rather been but now that Tommy is here and everybody is doing fine I realize how exhausting anticipation can be (obviously not as bad as having a baby I should note.)

All I want is pajamas, Graham also in pajamas and Anderson Cooper to ring in 2012. Let everyone else get a midnight kiss and then get vomitedvomited on, spend all their money and curse their uncomfortable shoes, I will be kissing the cava-poo and drinking chocolate milk.

Okay I admit I might be weird.

Welcome to the World Thomas Robert

Gig is a big sister!!
I don't know that i could be any happier if he was mine own baby. I saw, what might be the most handsome baby ever, when he was just 5 hours old.


Congratulations Andy, Nicole, and G I love you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

Seriously? Ledger's last days coming to a theater near you

I still have a Google alert for Heath Ledger. It is from years ago and every so often, there is a useful story worth reading so I keep it. Most of the stories are fluff like Gemma Ward, on the cusp of becoming an actress, opens up about secret romance with Ledger right before his death or Lindsey Lohan- attempting comeback revealing secret romance with Dark Knight star when he died (I know right? No wonder he was exhausted.) However, today there was one that completely blew me away, about how Michelle Williams is distraught over a movie in the works, about her baby daddy and ex's final days.


Williams, who fears how this will affect six year old Matilda Ledger, clearly was not interviewed for this script and judging by the Unauthorized Biographies that were written seconds after his death, nobody else of importance was either. Who, you may ask, are people of importance? The family for one, as well as the lawyer he was using for the custody battle, and Terry Gilliam and the cast and crew of The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus- all people who documented as being around him and/or talked to him in those final days. While talking to these individuals still doesn't explain what happened in those final hours, it would add an ounce of truth to what I am expecting to be entirely based on tabloid journalism and hearsay.


The truth of The matter is that when there was an actual death investigation, nobody could get the real story of what transpired in those final days. The time between when Ledger left the London shoot and when his body was found remain unclear. The only person who can tell us what happened is Heath himself and I am rather sure he isn't telling.

Gigi goes to a David Cook concert

At the earliest of ages, G loved music so I would play my ipod for her and naturally this included David Cook among other artists. At some point after she learned how to talk she asked his name and soon would instantly recognized his voice. By the time Cook's album was released this summer, G had renamed a book about a boy named David "David Cook no no" which he found very funny. She's a fan so I thought why not take her to meet him?

Today Lauren and I did just that and boy did we have fun! She and David danced and wave to each other while he took meet and greet breaks, she gave him coffee (because she insisted she buy him a present) and best of all G sang "reindeer" (Rudolf) with David and the band. We then went to soundtrack where he performed three songs. All G did was smile and clap. She later called this the concert which I guess it was.

After she went home Lauren and I went to the real concert and it was his best yet. He performed beatles songs and brought out special guests that included Steven Van Zant of the E street band. All and all it was a great day, we all had a blast and David and his brother Andrew (who was assisting or tour managing and G kept cuting it up for) loved her.

Sent from my Samsung smartphone on AT&T

LOOK WHO JOINED FACEBOOK

With the exception of when you work as Batman’s butler and he gets himself into more hot water than he can handle, there really isn’t anyone in this world who doesn’t like to say “I told you so.” I find the funniest “I told you so” moment comes when a celebrity says that you will never catch them doing such and such and then it happens. For example, when Lindsay Lohan wasn’t never going to turn into one of those kids stars who becomes the stereotypical problem adult or when an actor who is in it for the love of the craft does a super hero movie without following it up with something that indies the soul clean.

My favorite moment is when you hear how so and so will never join (insert social media site here) because it basically starts the countdown to when that becomes a lie. It happened with David Cook and twitter but most recently the culprit was director Terry Gilliam. After launching his personal website he said how he wasn’t never getting a Facebook account but was entering the digital age with the site. Well look what appeared yesterday!

Terry Gilliam

Welcome to the official Facebook page for Terry Gilliam! And go check out his official website: http://terrygilliamweb.com/

Followed by a personal note, this morning

Terry Gilliam

DEAR FACEBOOKEES,
WELCOME TO MY NEW INCARNATION.. THIS NEW BREACH IN MY SECURITY. I WILL OCCASIONALLY CHECK IN TO SEE THAT YOU ARE ALL WELL AND HAPPY. I MIGHT EVEN ANSWER THE ODD QUESTION.. ODD BEING THE OPERATIVE WORD. BUT, MORE THAN LIKELY I'LL JUST SIT QUIETLY IN THE DARK TRYING TO PROTECT MY VULNERABLE AND EASILY INFLUENCED BRAIN FROM YOUR THOUGHTS, OPINIONS, AND SUGGESTIONS. THIS SITE IS DESIGNED TO INFLUENCE YOU AND NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND.
MY TEAM OF ELVES WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED OF MY EVERY MOVE. THEY WILL LET YOU KNOW SECRETS UNAVAILABLE TO THE REST OF THE WORLD. THEY WILL ENCOURAGE YOU TO HELP ME IN MY DESPERATE ATTEMPTS TO FIND A JOB. THEY WILL REWARD YOU FOR YOUR UNSWERVING LOYALTY.
JUST REMEMBER, ONE OF THOSE ELVES MAY BE ME. SO BE NICE.
YOURS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE,
TG

Dear Santa, I want one of these Teddy Bears please

“If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.”

Going into 2008 my plans were clear...
*Manage to not let my nerves get the best of me until I graduated SUNY Purchase
*As a reward for being a hard working student since the age of 4, I would take the summer off
*Fall 2008 get first Journalism related job and proceed to work until either I die, or leave to raise children

It was simple, realistic, and all and all a rather solid life plan. Sure there were flights of fantasy that I hoped would come up as a result of this path but the path itself was doable. Because, remember this was 2008, it was a different world. Newspapers made money, the economy hadn't collapsed yet, and David Cook was just a bartender in Oklahoma.


Going into 2009, it was beginning to look like a full year off before starting a job, which I didn't quite mind because I was having a rather fun time being "Fun-employed" and the new President promised change so I was sure my perfect job was waiting around the corner. I was to be fulfilled in my job, content with my small dent on the world, somehow enriching at least one life in some little way or another. Which brings me to two years ago today; my first day as GiGi's nanny.


I never thought, entering 2012 that this is where I would be but the last two years has brought me much more than just a job, I feel like I gained new family. GiGi and her parents make me feel like I am valued and everyday that I come to work I feel loved. It might not be exposing the world to earth shattering news or helping a celebrity share the intimate details of whatever it is will get them a headline but, then again, chasing politicians on campaign trails and asking about Justin Bieber's love child would never have provided the fulfillment I feel seeing GiGi growing up into the wonderful little lady she is becoming and knowing, however miniscule my part is, that I might have somehow helped her become that.


I love my job and in the end, isn't that the most important thing there is?

Thankful

I've been thinking about writing a list of things that I am thankful for, like my mother and my job, in honor of thanksgiving but then I realized the notion showed exactly why I should. Thanksgiving is a time to think about everything we are thankful for but one day in November isn't enough.

I have a tendency, like a lot of people, of focusing on what isn't going my way at any given moment. It could always be better but what we all need to keep in mind when life starts getting us down is that it could always be a lot worse too and starting today I am going to try and do that.

It is true that I am thankful to be for the most part healthy person with decades of life to explore ahead of me, who has people in this world who do love me and who I love back, with a job that makes me smile everyday working for bosses nicer than anyone hopes for, and a dog to play with. But that isn't enough. No matter how hard a day or week or month, or year: I am thankful for every moment of sun I feel, every smile that crosses my lips, every breath I take, and every day that I am alive no matter how much crap comes my way.

Through it all, I am thankful.

Give someone special a home for the Holidays

We all know what how having someone to share the Holiday Season with makes it all that much special but you know what? Animals feel it too and that is what the shelter project is trying to create, loving families that include great pets.

Also, they have adorable PSA, like this one:


With the handsome exterior of DJ (who by the way was from a shelter and was proof there is nothing wrong with a second hand dog) and the internal monolog of toy crazy Graham, it really is no surprise that I had to share it with you.


www.theshelterpetproject.org
Official Youtube for More videos

FADE INTO ME video

David Cook has a new music video and it is , in my opinion, his best yet.

GiGi and Graham finally meet

After over a year of sending each other love and gifts, my two favorite smile-makers finally met in person and became best friends.



Kisses were plentiful

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?

Trip tp the Groomer

After a long summer of playing, chasing toys, rolling in grass, and running
away from his hair brush my little fluff monkey went from this...

To this...

My boss says he looks like a little lamb, maybe he and I can create a Halloween costume around that.

Christian - Good News!

Christian is on his way to Blythesdale. He will be staying there for rehab, with one of his parents staying with him nightly.

The MRI last week showed improvement, though his speech center is still being affected. The doctors hope for continued improvement. He was able to stand, with help, and support his own weight for a few seconds. Now, he is walking but with a lot of help.

Please continue to pray for his full recovery.

Happy International Coffee Day

I have a bit of a love affair with coffee, see here, so it is nice to know that, much like every other possible population on this planet, coffee drinkers have their own special day to celebrate. I could go on about it forever but instead, I thought I'd share this interesting tidbit about where coffee came from, courtesy of the WASHINGTON POST:

According to the National Coffee Association, an Ethio­pian goat herder named Kaldi was the first to realize coffee’s wonders: “It is said that he discovered coffee after noticing that his goats, upon eating berries from a certain tree, became so spirited that they did not want to sleep at night.”

Today, those berries are then harvested and processed, the beans dried, milled and exported, the coffee tasted, roasted, ground and brewed — all to get to that steaming mug in front of you.

Maybe the next time I really need a cup, as the first glorious sips cascade down my throat i should think THANK GOAT instead of THANK GOD.

Gorilla Cheese Truck

Having a sandwich from the Gorilla Cheese Truck became a quest for me around Memorial Day when a news program reviewed a bunch of food trucks in a "summer eats" segment. Now when I say quest, don't think of it like a never ending search like that of Don Quixote. It was more like, I saw the segment, thought that the grilled cheeses looked cool, and occasionally checked their website to see that days location when I was at a loss of what to eat. Last week, however, I found out the truck stopped serving on October 1.

Now,while my quest lacked ooph, but that didn't mean I wanted it to end like Monty Python's for the Holy Grail, ie unfinished, so it became my mission to get one, and today, with less than a week left, I finally had my sandwich.

It was a fresh mozzarella and tomato on white bread, and it was phenomenal. Better still, was that the truck was parked near Madison Square Park, so I sat outside of it savoring every last bit of it, while cute dogs passed on their way to Jemmy's dog run and a movie shot across the street.

Sidenote: food trucks are technically illegal in NYC which, in my opinion makes eating from them more fun.

happy fall

Ned Kelly

NED KELLY was one of the few works by Heath Ledger that I had never seen. Maybe the plot seemed like I wouldn't enjoy it when it was released, or maybe it wasn't available but, whatever the reason, it was something I planned to rectify this summer.
I wish I could say I liked it. Sure it was about Irish outlaws in Australia about a century ago but I like to believe I am cultured enough to watch something like that. I think Australia is a beautiful county and the acting was good. Unfortunately, I guess I just don't like Westerns, which it sort of was except that it wasn't America, and not even starring at Ledger and Orlando Bloom the whole time, was enough to keep my attention.

Having said all that, I am glad I saw it. It was nice to see Ledger work with his then girlfriend, and person I frequently see, Naomi Watts, in the film they met on. They shared a steamy love scene which was a nice change from watching the awkward and strained screen relationship he shared with his next girlfriend, Michelle Williams, in BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. Besides, they can't all be winners right?

Torchwood

Being the TV addict that I am, it seems insane that I haven’t blogged more about the shows I watch. However, if you haven’t noticed, this summer didn’t seem to have a lot of time for blogs, or at least not extensive ones divulging into my thoughts on any particular topics. The 9/11 post notwithstanding, the last few months has pretty much been filled with my adventures, little bits of info, and a lot of fluff. For a while things have been a bit “Go, Go, Go!,” which I actually quite mind but it did mean on the occasion when I watched something that I wanted to blog about it was either an episode of a show that aired forever ago (I literally just watched last May’s season finale of GREY’S ANATOMY) and therefore irrelevant or I never had the time to sit and actually sit and go into details about said thing. I believe the common used phrase for this phenomenon is “living a life” but even so, writing has always been part of my life so it is a bit upsetting that I have been lacking sharing my opinions.

The one show that, no matter what was going on never went unwatched on my DVR for more than a day was TORCHWOOD: MIRACLE DAY. The show started on my birthday and every week I would say how I wanted to write about it, the season finale was unfortunately last Friday so reviewing it, other than to say it was amazing seems pointless. However, this was actually the fourth season of the Sci-fi series but it was the first that aired on the STARZ network, and therefore the first that I could actually watch. The show, which is about a group of people, led by the immortal Captain Jack Harkness (played by hottie hot pants John Barrowman,) who investigate super human occurrences, was created by BBC- as in British Broadcasting Corporation- and used to air in the US only on BBC America, which is a channel that I have loved from afar for about a decade.

My cable provider Cablevision did not have this channel but I began to lust for it when I saw how great the lineup was on my grandfather’s TV in the early 2000’s. The first time I saw TORCHWOOD was on a plane back from Florida (Jet Blue has Direct TV, which does carry BBCA) in January 2006. I know what you are thinking, why didn’t I have quality time with my grandpa every week and watch the show with him? Well he died later that month (needless to say, not seeing the show wasn’t the worst thing about that.) Anyway so fast forward a few years, TORCHWOOD moves to America and comes to STARZ, I finally get to watch the show, and find out that the first three seasons are instant watch on Netfix (jumping for joy.) But wait it gets better- while channel surfing, waiting for the hurricane that never hit, I discovered that Cablevision had, just that day added BBCA and starting tonight, they are repairing the series from the beginning on Friday nights at 11:30.

So if you like mysteries, or sci-fi, find some way to check this show out.