Happiness

I know that I complain a lot. (At least I didn't say alot.) But there are some really good things that I neglect to mention daily. First of all, a lot of those good things are in the links section of this site. However, there are also other good things that I forget to mention:

1. Omni Hotels: I have had the best experiences of my hotel-staying life at the Omni Hotels. Sometimes, depending on the city, they're super expensive, but even then, they're worth it. Check it out!?

2. West Elm: I have heard that the low prices you pay for what is arguably designer furniture, is indicative of the quality -- that is, your couch might not last more than 2-3 years. That's all I need, so I say, Buy The Best Design Temporary Design You Can Afford

3. The motto at The Paper Source is "Do Something Creative Everyday". Reason enough to click through, I'd say.

4. My veterinarian? Love her. Can't find the website to link, but she's at 2232 First Avenue. Get there if you can.

5. My preferred kennel -- NY Dog Spa & Hotel. I mean, come on. The name enough ... The Dog Spa i

6. The best place to buy crafting material online: Create For Less. You have to know what you want to navigate the site, but it's even worth trial and error clicking.

More later.

I'll Paint a Bitch

So, I've been in NYC for 13 months and today was the first day I saw the city. I promised my dear friend Ed I'd help him paint his newly purchased, currently in-renov house in Brooklyn. Brooklyn? Where's that at? I found out today. It was fun, fun, fun, and a huge pain in the ass. You know how you sometimes say to someone, "I'll help you", fully expecting they'll say, "Oh, no, dear. You're much too delicate, and I could never impose on you that way"? So, you've made the offer and you look good, but you don't actually have to do anything? Ed is onto that scheme. So, after a heart-stopping, directionless drive to my home, Ed finally picked me up and drove me to his new abode. Gorgeous -- some of the gorgeous requires imagination, because it's still a work in process. But, whatever lucky duck gets the rental unit he's re-done is going to be happy, bo-bappy! Laundry! In-Unit! Praise Be. I wish I could live there, but Ed is fastidious and doesn't want dogs ... even my precious dog ... who is perfect ... and lurverly. Whatever. His loss. (Ed's, not the dog's)

I also got to meet Ed's sister, and his precious niece Erin (sp?). Somebody tell me when 14-year olds got to be so mature and smart? Hmm? She had me at "hello", that one (not in a skeevy way). It was so nice to have a break from the 7th circle of hell (that is, 120th and Lenox in Harlem, in case you're not aware) to go to a neighborhood, and have a real-life, in-person family for a day. Even though my feet hurt now, and my hives are worse than ever, I had a good day ... for once ... in NYC. And, even though I remain convinced that this is not the city for me, today was sweet. Later - j.

HIVES

WTF? I thought hives were like consumption or the vapors -- some old-timey crap that only people who live on the prairie in little houses with blind sisters and fathers called "Pa" get. Durn, I was WRONG. They are itching me like f'ing crazy. I scratch, scratch, scratch and feel gross, gross, gross.

The thing is, hives may not have any cause. Well, thanks a lot, medical community. All you can do is scratch and take Benadryl. Again, thanks a lot. I hate to complain ... okay, no I don't. I'm good at it. I'm just saying, the hives are making me nutso x 10!

If you work anywhere near Midtown Manhattan, feel free to stop me on the street, and I'll give you a good look at the welts on my legs. Geeeross! I just want you to be crazy, too.

Later - j.

Ask and You Shall Receive

All day long, I've been thinking about my friend Erica. She lives in that paradise of the north, Canada. I thought about her on my way to work when I was in the only cab in the city with no A/C. I thought about her at lunch when I couldn't decide what to eat. I thought about her this afternoon and someone asked me what my favorite movie of all time was (To Kill A Mockingbird -- her baby's name is Atticus). And then, she called me this evening. Keeraaazzy! The universe provides when you put the request out there, I suppose. I really needed to talk to a sensible person who didn't want anything from me this evening.

It's so amazing how those things work out. Yeah, I haven't won the lottery (and I REALLY need to -- NYC is crazy expensive); yeah, I haven't figured out my career (which is a problem), but the things/people I need to help me keep my head up? They're all around and hear me when I need them to hear me. Thanks!