Ugly Sweater Invasion

Hard to believe I know, but this was actually my first ugly sweater party - whats the deal? THis year I was not missing out, especially when it was only two blocks away. Earlier in the day my friend Eric and I were trying to find some ugly sweaters, but with no avail, all of the upper west side had been picking over the thrift and goodwill stores and there was nothing left, so where do you go, Old Navy! So our attire wasn't ugly, but it still had the christmasy cheer in the air. Eric and arrived separtely as we planned not to "know" each other had the same outfit! Lo and behold, two other guys had the exact same t'shirts, PTL Old Navy as Rustin would say. There was plenty'o'ulgyness to go around. One friend found a used kleenex in his hand pocket of his cardigan that he picked up from Goodwill. The dance party was alot of fun, the "single ladies" got a shout out from Beyonce, and we all loved the repression being expelled as they danced. We even had a professional photo booth for classic pics to be taken. And of course, there was the infamous mistle toe which I won't lie, I made good use of it! If you haven' had the ugly sweater party experience, get on it and get to one or organize one!

Tree Lighting Par-TAY!!

One of the many wonderful things about my NYC life is that I work at 10 Rock! My office looks right into the Rockefeller Plaza and it made it the perfect spot for viewing the traditional tree lighing ceremony. I was lucky enough to have my mom and sister fly in that morning and come to my company party. People had started camping out that morning around 9 p.m, the tree was not lit till 8:55 p.m. It gets crazy in my end of town during the holidays but this day was out of control! While people were outside standing in the cold, holding their full bladders and not getting a great view, we had food galor, drinks a-plenty and much warmth. We got to see many celebs in all their christmas glory, Faith Hill and Harry Connick, Jr., being my favourite. With all the people there security was in full force, the snipers on the rooftops proved how serious they were taking this event. It truly was a great experience, but I don't think I would ever wait outside to do it, just a future reference for ya'll.

Too Hot Too Handle for 1 Day

The day has barely begun and already I am so overwhelmed. First of all my mom and sister arrived at my apartment this morning. I gave them the quick 5 minute intro and then let them go to sleep and I went to work. This was the most entertaining subway ride ever!! I got into the subway car and I heard some raised spanish voices, some ladies were mixing "holas". Acutally, one kept saying some stuff and all I recognized was "problema" and her attitude and facial expressions told me that she was havin' an issue with the other chica! They kept raising their voices, then all of a sudden, one chica swung a fist and then it was on like donkey kong! The other girl went straight for the hair (smart move), she ended up shoving the girls head into the side of the subway car. Thats when they started scream and they then stood up and other passengers were scattering all over the place, trying to avoid the spanish frenzie! Hair was being pulled, fingers were clawing and then one man jumped between the two ladies to end it! I was stunned, I couldn't even move. I was glad that someone had the sense to jump in. THe two girls still yelled at each other and one tried to re-ignite the fight, but that was not going to happen. We came to the next stop, on girl grabbed her shoe that had fallen off, her glasses and bag and exited. One man on the train yelled out into the subway stop that we needed NYPD, which they boarded at the next stop, and that is where I, and many others got off to transfer to the express train.

Now if that wasn't enough energy and excitement, imagine walking into my lobby at work and walkin' side by side with mr. Harry Connick, Jr., yup, take that! I do love my work location. Tonight we get to enjoy the christmas tree lighting ceremony with food and warmth at Rockefeller Plaza!!

Post Thanksgiving Thoughts

Thats American Thanksgiving BTW. I am always so lucky, I get 2 Thanksgiving each year, double the pleasure, double the fun. This past weekend I was lucky enough to have gone down to Washington, D.C. to see old friends and meet some new ones. Our host "M" was absolutely fantastic except for the minor detail that she was late in picking us up at 1 am, but I forgave her cause she came through on everything else, she made dreams come true that weekend!! Thanksgiving day was full of football and basketball and the best turkey ever, which we ate all weekend long. The following two days had us on a roadtrip to Philadelphia to view Independence Hall (don't waste your time, for us non-Americans) and the Rocky steps as well as a very cool museum. We also ate philly cheesesteaks, which unbeknownced to me, the "cheese" part of it is actually cheesewhiz, and it was so good. In D.C. we had a day of "death" as it was said. We hit up the Arlington Cemetery as well as the Halocaust Musuem (its a tear jerker, so don't take a date). To say the least we were a bit desheviled at the Wizards vs. Hawks basketball game until they did the "dancing" camera on the crowd and then the whole building was electrified. This is really one of those moments where you had to be there, but this old man, lets say in his 70's, was doing major pelvic thrusts that literally had me crying and almost peeing my pants, I haven't hurt like that in so long!

It was a great trip, I definately need to go back. I am thankful for friends to have spent time with and for the opportunity to have learned some US history that frankly has given me many freedoms!

Now its CHRISTMAS TIME!!!!!