Back in the Saddle Again

Radio. Silence. Broken.

Life got in the way of writing lately. Since my last post, I completed my provisional training for the New York Junior League, moved out of my old office space in mid-town Manhattan and into our bright, shiny and new office space in lower Manhattan (still currently in the unpacking mode), and managed to resign the lease on our condo we own and are renting out in Charlotte. It's been a super-busy few weeks, but vacation is just around the corner. Phew!

I'm ready to write again. Put me in, Coach. I'm ready to play.

Bloggosphere

I recently learned that a fabulous co-worker of mine and mommy-to-be is a blogger. I often forget that people have lives and interests outside of work so I was pleasantly surprised to find out that we are family of the blog world. Sista SoFine has a great fashion sense and is so kind to share it with the world. Click on over to her site and check out her quips and eye candy - Sista SoFine

The ABCs of Me, Me, Me!

A. Age: 31

B. Bed size: Queen. I don't want any bigger or any smaller. I like to know where My Hero and Rockstar are while I am sleeping. I don't need to go on an expedition for them in the middle of the night in a bigger bed.

C. Chore you dislike: Does cooking count?

D. Dogs: Rocky, Rockstar, Rockzilla - all one in the same precious 9 year old that My Hero and I picked out of his grandfather's litter. This Jack Russell is our fur-child. HA!

E. Essential start to your day: Workout, Good Morning America, Coffee and a kiss from My Hero

F. Favorite color: Sparkle

G. Gold or silver: Both. I work at Tiffany & Co. Both are fabulous!

H. Height: 5'6.5"...5'7" on a good day

I. Instruments you play(ed): I play the violin. I used to teach violin lessons and play for weddings. I LOVE playing for weddings.

J. Job title: Japan Marketing & Global Collateral Coordinator

K. Kids: None yet...considering adoption. There are so many precious children that need a good home and loving parents.

L. Live: Living life to the fullest. Life is too short so you might as well enjoy it. Living out my audacious prayer (Thanks Pastor Steven Furtick and Elevation Church!)

M. Mom’s name: Mom, Gloria, Glo, Mommacita

N. Nicknames: Belle-Belle, Bellerina, Princess, BB, Queen B, Beezie, Queen

O. Overnight hospital stays: None that I recall. Phew!

P. Pet peeves: Having a short fuse and being rude to other people. Neither are necessary.

Q. Quote from a movie: "A child without courage is like a night without stars." -Punjab from Annie

R. Righty or lefty: Righty-tighty!

S. Siblings: 3 older brothers

T. Time you wake up: Weekdays-6:30ish; Weekends-Depends on what I have planned

U. Underwear: Umm, of course. I would like to wear matching sets, but I don't coordinate my own life that well.

V. Vegetables you don’t like: Seriously. I grew up in the south. I love nearly all fresh veggies.

W. What makes you run late: Myself. I think that running late is inherited...from my mother. HA! Actually, I am never late, but instead I am fashionably on time. I learned that from my grandmother.

X. X-rays you’ve had: Teeth, spine, teeth, chest, teeth, teeth, teeth

Y. Yummy food you make: Chocolate Turtle Cake...that's technically a dessert. I don't "cook." Thank goodness my hubby does.

Z. Zoo animal favorites: Tough one. I am not a big zoo goer. I can imagine that penguins are quite cute though.

From the South with Love - Part II

While My Hero was in Charlotte for a football tournament, my parents took advantage of the extra space in my apartment as well as the much needed time with me.

Of course I was late getting off work. Thank goodness my kind neighbors let them inside my building so they didn't have to wait outside in the cold. Welcome back to NYC! After a rejuvenating night's sleep, Mom was ready to shop, shop, shop. Dad was mentally prepared to trudge around with us and "ooh" and "ahhh" over our findings. First stop and the longest, but most successful was Lilly Pulitzer. The rain didn't slow us down. We then toured FAO Schartz to see if there was anything of interest for my nieces... We then ventured downtown to see all the home goodies at Fishs Eddy...creepy hand-molds and all...where we also met up with my girl friend, Ace of Spades. Before venturing home, we toured through the floral oasis inside Macy's Annual Flower Show After an exhausting day, we headed home to rest and snuggle with Rockstar who fell in love with Dad. That's not an easy feat with this little guy. I was going to get a picture of them leaving in the taxi, but all of our eyes were filled with tears so I missed the moment. My Hero and I are so blessed to have such a loving family who welcomes the adventure of coming to the north and understanding our appreciation and love of NYC.

From the South with Love - Part I

My Hero's mom and sister recently made a trek to Yankyville. During their time here, they went everywhere and tasted nearly everything. My Hero toured them around the city throughout the day while I worked and we all met up for dinner.

From the top of the Empire State Building...

To hanging out in Times Square...

To eating pizza at Two Bros. in Chelsea...

The trip was a great success! We shared the love of NYC with two Southerners. They'll be back!

RAM 'EM!

Who says 33 is young and inexperienced? Well, I think Coach Shaka Smart has proven the naysayers wrong. He and the players have proven that skills, determination and heart can carry you a long way. That's right, Kansas! I'm talking to you, Duke! The Rams' success to the Final 4 this year may be a Cinderella Story, but I choose to believe otherwise. Sure, my bracket is demolished, but I don't really care. Everyone else's is too. Both of my Carolina teams are out of the playoffs, but I can still hang onto some Southern pride in this Yankee town by routing for VCU. I have pride. I went there. It may not have been for a degree, but instead to get my teeth beautifully straightened (Thanks, Dr. I), but that's not what I tell most people. My brother obtained his masters through this university and I cheered him on as he crossed that stage. See, I am connected. We all know my blood definitely runs GOLD...ummm...hello, Tiffany. I am connected.

Thankfully, My Hero and I won't have to watch the Final Four as a house divided. He has already asked me who I would cheer for if VCU and Carolina played one another. My heart is with VCU, but my soul is with Carolina. Tough question. Would I rather be disowned by my side of the family or by my own husband? Either way, I would lose. I skillfully changed the subject and averted his attention otherwise...I might have actually started cooking something which made him blackout for a few seconds. HA!

You're Invited!

WHAT: Grab your gear and cheer for the RAMS!

WHEN: Saturday, April 2nd

TIME: 6:00PM

WHERE: CBS

P.S.

If you want to look like you know what you are talking about, don't say "Virginia Commonwealth." Simply say "VCU." Got it?

A Must See

I had the pleasure of viewing the documentary about the extraordinarily talented Bill Cunningham this weekend - Bill Cunningham New York. This man is a fixture in the fashion world; not for his own sense of style, but for the fashion that he captures in his lens. His genuine interest is the clothes. The beautiful people just happen to come along with the stitchings. For nearly nine decades, Mr. Cunningham has processed roll after roll of film with gorgeous clothes from the flamboyant to the absurd to the downright gorgeous on New Yorkers ranging from aristocrats, socialites, and regular people. His candid photography for the New York Times is astonishing and has the power to put a normal human being in fine clothes on the map.

This film is a must-see for anyone who has even a 1000th of an inkling in fashion. It is definitely for everyone who has a passion for life and determination to just do what they enjoy, being great at what you do, and not losing yourself along the way.

If you loved The September Issue, you will love this documentary as well.