Christmas Eve
The whole day was the kind of a riff on the usual Allen family tradtions. It was like it was the same, only different. Why is that? A lot of reasons: 1) Some things are a headache and didn't need repeating, 2) Lauren, Craig, and I are married and have the subsequent (yet wonderful) complications that go along with that 3) See number 1.
The morning started out with a big breakfast (pancakes, eggs, bacon, hashbrown cassarole, crescent roll / cream cheese icing thing). This is a fairly recent tradition, usually done at IHOP. As you all know, eating at IHOP can be ridiculous. Instead, we stayed in and Mom & Dad did the cooking. That saved a headache, and helped garuntee that Craig & Amber could leave for Hernando, MS when they needed to. Also, it had to be cheaper.
After breakfast and clean-up, we exchanged gifts. Usually we do this at Granny's (dad's mom's house). It's always seemed kinda of silly, hauling them to her house and back just to unwrap them. I think it also calmed my 2.5-year-old neice down. Worth it.
At 2:30, the family (minus Craig & Amber) went to go see Yogi Bear in completely adequate 2D! All told, it wasn't awful, Analise enjoyed it, and it wasn't terribly long. Probably ate too much popcorn though (more on that later).
Almost immediately after the movie, we regrouped at the house and headed down to Granny's for dinner and a few presents. Jennifer & I got Granny some Jack Daniel's coffe, which went over really well. All told, it was a pretty mellow evening, which is what I think we were going for. We got back well after 10:30pm, which was not ideal, but much better than we've done before.
Christmas Day
In the wee hours of the morning, I was visited by that old holiday elf: indigestion. That's no fun at 5:00am. Several TUMS and 2 tblsp of Pepto Bismol later, I was good enough to go.
Jennifer & I made it to her parent's house a little after 8:00am. There was a nice calm before the storm. With six siblings, and something like +10 kids under the age of 13, the best thing to do is stake out a corner of the room and don't move. They can detect motion. Jennifer & I got some nice gifts, both individual and for the both of us. There was too much food before and at lunch.
Around 1:00pm, we made a break for it and headed to Nan & Pop's (Mom's parents' house). What did we do there? Eat lunch, again. This was a pretty low-key event as well - mostly adults. Jennifer got a nice robe and basket and I got a Scrade Old Timer 3-blade knife. Good times.
Finally, it was over to one of Jennifer's aunt & uncle's for Christmas desserts. We missed a good bit of the drama (oh well), but things were still simmering a little bit. This time we found the house without too much trouble, at least.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
November Five One Seven Niner Hotel
Got into Memphis, TN pretty late Wednesday evening. We got on the road right around 6:00pm, as I figured we would. However, sometime shortly outside of Trinity, AL we realized that I had not grabbed Jennifer's home-made chocolate truffles from the freezer. Doubling back for that added about another hour to the trip, putting us at my parents' house around 11:00pm. It was my fault, I admit; but it was the only thing I forgot, considering all the gifts, luggage, food, and cat paraphernalia that I had stuffed into the Pontiac, that's not too bad.
The intent of the day was to finally redeem the birthday gift I got from my parents - an introductory flight lesson at Downtown Aviation. Dad was originally going to join me (he nabbed a lesson for himself on some discount online store), but had to cancel due to work demands, so Jennifer rode along instead. Getting started was a little bumpy: 1) I had a 10:00am reservation, which they had marked down; however, no instructor had been booked. We got started at 10:30am, which was good enough; Doug was a great guy 2) After the pre-flight check-out of our Cessna 172, we couldn't get her engine to turn over due to the recent cold snap. The eventually got her running (by jumping her off with a Suburban! - I think).
I wasn't quite sure how it was going to go, other than my certainty that I would not be doing the taking off or the landing. Once we got airborne and above 1200 ft, however, I had the stick. In a word: Righteous. Mind you, Doug was in more control than a driving instructor the entire time (I didn't really fool with the throttle). We made a few turns, buzzed downtown Memphis, and flew under the Hernando-Desoto bridge (well, not really, but how cool would that have been?). A short 30 minutes in the air, but it was awesome. I may just be hooked.
Later in the day, we met up with Angela Dunn to exchange Christmas presents. We got her some UT salt-and-pepper shakers, she gave us a picture frame and some home-made cookies. I think we won that little exchange, but at least Angela's chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal-raisin cookies don't look the same.
We wrapped up the day with dinner with my parents & Blake at Memphis Pizza Cafe. Delicious.
The intent of the day was to finally redeem the birthday gift I got from my parents - an introductory flight lesson at Downtown Aviation. Dad was originally going to join me (he nabbed a lesson for himself on some discount online store), but had to cancel due to work demands, so Jennifer rode along instead. Getting started was a little bumpy: 1) I had a 10:00am reservation, which they had marked down; however, no instructor had been booked. We got started at 10:30am, which was good enough; Doug was a great guy 2) After the pre-flight check-out of our Cessna 172, we couldn't get her engine to turn over due to the recent cold snap. The eventually got her running (by jumping her off with a Suburban! - I think).
I wasn't quite sure how it was going to go, other than my certainty that I would not be doing the taking off or the landing. Once we got airborne and above 1200 ft, however, I had the stick. In a word: Righteous. Mind you, Doug was in more control than a driving instructor the entire time (I didn't really fool with the throttle). We made a few turns, buzzed downtown Memphis, and flew under the Hernando-Desoto bridge (well, not really, but how cool would that have been?). A short 30 minutes in the air, but it was awesome. I may just be hooked.
Later in the day, we met up with Angela Dunn to exchange Christmas presents. We got her some UT salt-and-pepper shakers, she gave us a picture frame and some home-made cookies. I think we won that little exchange, but at least Angela's chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal-raisin cookies don't look the same.
We wrapped up the day with dinner with my parents & Blake at Memphis Pizza Cafe. Delicious.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
West Bound & Down
Hitting the road in a few hours, with a car load of presents and a drugged-up cat.
Good times. Good times.
Good times. Good times.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Memphis St. Jude Half-Marathon
So, Jennifer and I ran the Memphis St. Jude Half-marathon the other day. And yes, I completed the thing (don't be hatin'). We did it in right about 2:30:00. That's a little slower than Jennifer's previous times, and an awesome time for me.
The pasta dinner at the Lambert dining hall in Christian Brothers University was tasty, and free. We also somehow got knock-off underarmor shirts that the Lasallian Volunteers made for themselves. The theme: Running in Memphis. Not awful, I guess.
The morning of the race wound up being 20 degrees warmer than anyone expected, which was a good thing. Jennifer & I both ditched our underarmor, and were glad for it. There was plenty of awesome Memphis music from the 50s before and during the race, which was great.
I don't remember a whole lot of the race itself. I guess I had "cleared the mechanism." Two days later, I feel like I got hit by a bus. Why people love doing this, I don't know. And don't get me started on marathoners...
Food and drink at the finish line were great. A cup of McAlister's chicken tortilla soup, a couple of slices of pepperoni pizza, and a much-needed Diet Coke had me feeling very elderly (instead of very dead).
After all is said and done, I guess I'd do it again. Except next time, I'll bring a couple of band-aides. I learned a very important lesson about cool temperatures and chaffing. Ouch!
The pasta dinner at the Lambert dining hall in Christian Brothers University was tasty, and free. We also somehow got knock-off underarmor shirts that the Lasallian Volunteers made for themselves. The theme: Running in Memphis. Not awful, I guess.
The morning of the race wound up being 20 degrees warmer than anyone expected, which was a good thing. Jennifer & I both ditched our underarmor, and were glad for it. There was plenty of awesome Memphis music from the 50s before and during the race, which was great.
I don't remember a whole lot of the race itself. I guess I had "cleared the mechanism." Two days later, I feel like I got hit by a bus. Why people love doing this, I don't know. And don't get me started on marathoners...
Food and drink at the finish line were great. A cup of McAlister's chicken tortilla soup, a couple of slices of pepperoni pizza, and a much-needed Diet Coke had me feeling very elderly (instead of very dead).
After all is said and done, I guess I'd do it again. Except next time, I'll bring a couple of band-aides. I learned a very important lesson about cool temperatures and chaffing. Ouch!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
November Revolution
Well, I'm cheating a little with the first one:
Adopted Oliver the Cat (10/30)
He's an orange tabby, and about 11 months old. He's playful, likes crinkly-foil balls to chase around, and enjoys meowing at 3:00am. We're working on that.
Election Day (11/2)
The lovely Jennifer & I got up and went to the polling station before work - a gamble, I know. The polling place is on the way to work, only a couple of miles from the house. Our early arrival paid off - I was one of the first 50 voters, and was only 30 minutes later than usual to work. I've done worse. This is also the first election I've voted in ON election day - there is no early voting in Alabama (I absentee voted in 2008 because I was going to be on TDY for the election that year).
House Guests: Jennifer's Parents (11/5 - 11/6)
Jennifer's parents came up to see the house now that we're settled. They also hauled off some excess furniture, so that's great.
House Guests: Nan & Pop (11/12 - 11/14)
Nan & Pop came up to see us the next weekend. Pop helped me put in some shelves in our guest bathroom (there isn't a linen closet, just an alcove. Now, it's built in shelves. Nice.
Thanksgiving in Memphis (11/24 - 11/28)
The traditional Thursday triple-whammy of turkey totally tripped a triptophane tsunami. Thank you, even I'm impressed by that. Actually, the day-of went as smoothly as possible. The only hiccup was trying to find Stop #3 (Jennifer's aunt & uncle's place). It's along a section of Raleigh-Lagrange Road that only quasi-exists. The Tomtom was very confused, but we made it. Also, we decided that since we'd seen everyone we needed to, we were able to get on the road around 10:00am, which got us home a lot earlier than we usually do. It was a good call.
More in December.
Adopted Oliver the Cat (10/30)
He's an orange tabby, and about 11 months old. He's playful, likes crinkly-foil balls to chase around, and enjoys meowing at 3:00am. We're working on that.
Election Day (11/2)
The lovely Jennifer & I got up and went to the polling station before work - a gamble, I know. The polling place is on the way to work, only a couple of miles from the house. Our early arrival paid off - I was one of the first 50 voters, and was only 30 minutes later than usual to work. I've done worse. This is also the first election I've voted in ON election day - there is no early voting in Alabama (I absentee voted in 2008 because I was going to be on TDY for the election that year).
House Guests: Jennifer's Parents (11/5 - 11/6)
Jennifer's parents came up to see the house now that we're settled. They also hauled off some excess furniture, so that's great.
House Guests: Nan & Pop (11/12 - 11/14)
Nan & Pop came up to see us the next weekend. Pop helped me put in some shelves in our guest bathroom (there isn't a linen closet, just an alcove. Now, it's built in shelves. Nice.
Thanksgiving in Memphis (11/24 - 11/28)
The traditional Thursday triple-whammy of turkey totally tripped a triptophane tsunami. Thank you, even I'm impressed by that. Actually, the day-of went as smoothly as possible. The only hiccup was trying to find Stop #3 (Jennifer's aunt & uncle's place). It's along a section of Raleigh-Lagrange Road that only quasi-exists. The Tomtom was very confused, but we made it. Also, we decided that since we'd seen everyone we needed to, we were able to get on the road around 10:00am, which got us home a lot earlier than we usually do. It was a good call.
More in December.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Back in the New York Groove, Day 4
Our final day in the Big Apple. We had but one mission: make Justin Khuel jealous.
Crumbs - 2 Park Avenue
Totally awesome bakery in lower Manhattan (and other places). Enourmous cupcakes (more than one sitting for normal human beings). I got a cookies-and-creme as well as a s'mores; Jennifer got red velvet and a peanut butter cup. Pictures were taken. Most of them flew back to Huntsville with us.
Some notes on the New York City Subway System:
On the whole, I was not nearly so annoyed with them this time. Partly, I think the because the L, N, and Q trains in Brooklyn are fairly well run. Also, I was somewhat prepared for the waits, and in less of a hurry to take everything in. They're still a little weird, and very germ-y, but it wasn't awful. Also, we saw some drunk guy stumble to the door, step out between cars, and start to take a leak - as we were pulling into a station. Stay classy, Brooklyn.
On the whole, our flights home went pretty well. No serious delays, plenty of time for lunch at DCA. There was a bit of a kerfuffle about carry-on bags as we were leaving DCA. Jennifer & I had checked a shared suitcase; I had a small duffle and the cupcakes and she had her computer backpack and purse. Those were perfectly acceptable carry-ons, 1 for the overhead and 1 for our feet. Some jerk really wanted Jennifer to move her backpack so he could stuff his suitcase above us. He learned his lesson. I stayed out of it.
We had fun, but its great to be back. Hopefully I'll add some photos into these posts. But don't hold your breath.
Crumbs - 2 Park Avenue
Totally awesome bakery in lower Manhattan (and other places). Enourmous cupcakes (more than one sitting for normal human beings). I got a cookies-and-creme as well as a s'mores; Jennifer got red velvet and a peanut butter cup. Pictures were taken. Most of them flew back to Huntsville with us.
Some notes on the New York City Subway System:
On the whole, I was not nearly so annoyed with them this time. Partly, I think the because the L, N, and Q trains in Brooklyn are fairly well run. Also, I was somewhat prepared for the waits, and in less of a hurry to take everything in. They're still a little weird, and very germ-y, but it wasn't awful. Also, we saw some drunk guy stumble to the door, step out between cars, and start to take a leak - as we were pulling into a station. Stay classy, Brooklyn.
On the whole, our flights home went pretty well. No serious delays, plenty of time for lunch at DCA. There was a bit of a kerfuffle about carry-on bags as we were leaving DCA. Jennifer & I had checked a shared suitcase; I had a small duffle and the cupcakes and she had her computer backpack and purse. Those were perfectly acceptable carry-ons, 1 for the overhead and 1 for our feet. Some jerk really wanted Jennifer to move her backpack so he could stuff his suitcase above us. He learned his lesson. I stayed out of it.
We had fun, but its great to be back. Hopefully I'll add some photos into these posts. But don't hold your breath.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Back in the New York Groove, Day 3
This was our last full day in NYC, and for the most part, we wanted to take it easy.
Brooklyn Bridge Promenade / Park
This is always a nice little stroll, with a great view of southern Manhattan. Brides are legally required to take photos there, if not hold the wedding on the premises. Additionally, a park has been added where a bunch of unused docks used to be. Very nice. Also a at the foot of the bridge is the seriously awesome Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.
United Nations
Just strolled by. None of the flags were flying - I'm assuming because the UN was not in session. Boo (about the flags, that is).
Good Burger - 800 2nd Ave
Home of the Good Burger. Interestingly enough, it was good. Not too pricey for Manhattan standards, and not nearly as tacky as I was afraid it might be.
Brothers' Residence - Bedford Park, The Bronx
We made a run up to the Brothers' house in Bedford Park to say hi. Of the three Brothers in residence (Ed, Bill, Joe), only Bill was around. It was nice to catch up with Bill, and see him wave enthusiastically at Jennifer (inside joke).
Central Park
We strolled around for a bit, walked through Strawberry Fields. It's supposed to be a nice quiet spot for reflection. Unless, of course, its the anniversary of some milestone in John Lennon's life (birth, death, 1st baby tooth, last haircut) - then its an excuse for hippies and hipsters alike to throw a party. This time was his birthday, I think. We eventually caught up with Bekky, who was done with church (Paul went golfing).
L&B Spumoni Garden Brooklyn
Paul insisted we were still in Brooklyn. I'm not sure that we weren't in Canada. Paul & Bekky strongly recommended it. The place is well-known for its Sicilian style pizza. The Robbins' insisted that it didn't even need toppings, but I couldn't change my philistine ways, and insisted on pepperoni. I think they added to the experience. Also, the serve spumoni there (who knew?). It's like neapolitan ice cream, except with pistachio instead of strawberry. Weird, Italian, good. I think Jennifer is still waiting on her lasagna.
Tomorrow: I'll show you were you can put that carry on bag, sir.
Brooklyn Bridge Promenade / Park
This is always a nice little stroll, with a great view of southern Manhattan. Brides are legally required to take photos there, if not hold the wedding on the premises. Additionally, a park has been added where a bunch of unused docks used to be. Very nice. Also a at the foot of the bridge is the seriously awesome Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.
United Nations
Just strolled by. None of the flags were flying - I'm assuming because the UN was not in session. Boo (about the flags, that is).
Good Burger - 800 2nd Ave
Home of the Good Burger. Interestingly enough, it was good. Not too pricey for Manhattan standards, and not nearly as tacky as I was afraid it might be.
Brothers' Residence - Bedford Park, The Bronx
We made a run up to the Brothers' house in Bedford Park to say hi. Of the three Brothers in residence (Ed, Bill, Joe), only Bill was around. It was nice to catch up with Bill, and see him wave enthusiastically at Jennifer (inside joke).
Central Park
We strolled around for a bit, walked through Strawberry Fields. It's supposed to be a nice quiet spot for reflection. Unless, of course, its the anniversary of some milestone in John Lennon's life (birth, death, 1st baby tooth, last haircut) - then its an excuse for hippies and hipsters alike to throw a party. This time was his birthday, I think. We eventually caught up with Bekky, who was done with church (Paul went golfing).
L&B Spumoni Garden Brooklyn
Paul insisted we were still in Brooklyn. I'm not sure that we weren't in Canada. Paul & Bekky strongly recommended it. The place is well-known for its Sicilian style pizza. The Robbins' insisted that it didn't even need toppings, but I couldn't change my philistine ways, and insisted on pepperoni. I think they added to the experience. Also, the serve spumoni there (who knew?). It's like neapolitan ice cream, except with pistachio instead of strawberry. Weird, Italian, good. I think Jennifer is still waiting on her lasagna.
Tomorrow: I'll show you were you can put that carry on bag, sir.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Back in the New York Groove, Day 2
More New York Trip! It's like cowbell.
The American Museum of Natural History
This place is pretty awesome, and I could probably spend the whole day in there. Admission is "free;" they do ask for a donation (recommended $15 per adult - pshaw!). I'd been once before, back in 2005 when Jennifer was volunteering. A few new exhibits have opened up since then: geology and seismology, the brain, and human evolution. They would have been more enjoyable if parents had kept their kids in check. The Museum shares some of the blame in the geology exhibits, because many areas are just begging to be climbed on. I'm sure I'll change my tune when I have annoying kids of my own.
Lunch - some healthy wrap place, I forget the name. We thought it would be quick, but it was not. The food was tasty though. I had some kind of chicken-apple sausage in my wrap. Weird.
Grant's Tomb - Riverside Drive
It was on my list of things to do in NYC, and we never made it by there in 2005-2006. We were a bit rushed, but it was still impressive. Let there be peace.
We also strolled through the Columbia University campus and the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. The campus was nice, the cathedral was epic.
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theater - 307 W 26th
In the past, we'd go to the free 9:00pm show on Sunday evenings. To make sure and get in, with decent seats, we'd make an evening of it - camping out in the cold for line placement tickets, dinner, return to the line. This time, we all decided that $10 was worth an earlier show and no camping. It was the right decision. Also, the inimitable Dave Grandy joined us. This show featured writes from 30 Rock, a show I don't watch. It was pretty good.
The High Line - Meatpacking District
It used to be an elevated railway, then an abandoned elevated railway, now it's an elevated greenway. Its a good use of something that was already there. My only complaint is the artistic choices that were made with some of the planters seriously constrict foot traffic. Stupid artists.
Park - 118 10th (Meatpacking District)
Thai food. I had never really had it before, but it was pretty tasty. My chicken dish had some zing to it, but nothing I couldn't handle. Grandy joined us for this too. The only down side was that it got very late (a usual occurrence in NYC).
Tomorrow: I scream, you scream, we all scream for...spumoni?
The American Museum of Natural History
This place is pretty awesome, and I could probably spend the whole day in there. Admission is "free;" they do ask for a donation (recommended $15 per adult - pshaw!). I'd been once before, back in 2005 when Jennifer was volunteering. A few new exhibits have opened up since then: geology and seismology, the brain, and human evolution. They would have been more enjoyable if parents had kept their kids in check. The Museum shares some of the blame in the geology exhibits, because many areas are just begging to be climbed on. I'm sure I'll change my tune when I have annoying kids of my own.
Lunch - some healthy wrap place, I forget the name. We thought it would be quick, but it was not. The food was tasty though. I had some kind of chicken-apple sausage in my wrap. Weird.
Grant's Tomb - Riverside Drive
It was on my list of things to do in NYC, and we never made it by there in 2005-2006. We were a bit rushed, but it was still impressive. Let there be peace.
We also strolled through the Columbia University campus and the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. The campus was nice, the cathedral was epic.
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theater - 307 W 26th
In the past, we'd go to the free 9:00pm show on Sunday evenings. To make sure and get in, with decent seats, we'd make an evening of it - camping out in the cold for line placement tickets, dinner, return to the line. This time, we all decided that $10 was worth an earlier show and no camping. It was the right decision. Also, the inimitable Dave Grandy joined us. This show featured writes from 30 Rock, a show I don't watch. It was pretty good.
The High Line - Meatpacking District
It used to be an elevated railway, then an abandoned elevated railway, now it's an elevated greenway. Its a good use of something that was already there. My only complaint is the artistic choices that were made with some of the planters seriously constrict foot traffic. Stupid artists.
Park - 118 10th (Meatpacking District)
Thai food. I had never really had it before, but it was pretty tasty. My chicken dish had some zing to it, but nothing I couldn't handle. Grandy joined us for this too. The only down side was that it got very late (a usual occurrence in NYC).
Tomorrow: I scream, you scream, we all scream for...spumoni?
Friday, October 8, 2010
Back in the New York Groove, Day 1
We did a lot on this trip, so I'm doing the best I can to recount it. Trips up to NYC always wind up operating at really weird hours (for me, at least). It started with a fairly late arrival into town Thursday night / Friday morning. Couple that with the non-trivial hour jet-lag from the Central Time Zone, and it can be well past 10am before you make it out the door. You just have to roll with it, and be prepared for a couple of lousy days at work when you get back. Now, on to the day:
TKTS Booth - Brooklyn Location
Taking in a Broadway show was on the must-do list. The TKTS booth tries to minimize losses for plays by offering day-of and next-day tickets for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off-Broadway productions at huge discounts. It can range from 30-40% for new shows to 50% or better for older plays. We decided on Memphis. And no, that's not ironic.
Lunch? The tacky McDonald's in Times Square. It was cheap, we were hungry, and it was right next to the next stop on our New York adventure...
Madame Tussauds - Times Square
I had never been, Jennifer had visited the one London (I think). We had a coupon from the Entertainment Book that Jennifer's mom got us. So that alone paid for the book. Some of the mannequins looked kinda fake, however; I'm almost certain that was the REAL Michael Jackson. We took a lot of pictures. I'm not sure why people went there before cameras were commonplace.
Strand Books - Broadway between E 12th and E 13th
Home of 18 miles of new, used, rare, and out-of-print books - in other words, Heaven. Jennifer had to cut me off, as usual. I love, love that place.
John's Pizzeria - 260 W 44th
Dinner before the play - highly recommended by Paul & Bekky Robbins. The three of us split a pie with prosciutto while Jennifer tried the chicken Alfredo. Everything was delicious. And pretty much right across the street from the playhouse.
Memphis - The Musical
Not a bad show. It won a Tony in 2009 for something. It sold itself as more of a rock-n-roll show, which I was hoping for. Instead, we got more rhythm and blues. Not bad, but not what I was expecting. It was a lot like Hairspray, only not as wacky. Also, seating in the theater was worse that the Pyramid.
Junior's Cheesecake - 1515 Broadway
Delicious. I had the chocolate swirl, Jennifer got it straight. Bekky got the pumpkin, and Paul got something, but I don't remember what. We had it to go, and ate it back at Casa de Robbins. It was hard not to demolish the bag on the subway.
Tomorrow: Thai Me Down!
TKTS Booth - Brooklyn Location
Taking in a Broadway show was on the must-do list. The TKTS booth tries to minimize losses for plays by offering day-of and next-day tickets for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off-Broadway productions at huge discounts. It can range from 30-40% for new shows to 50% or better for older plays. We decided on Memphis. And no, that's not ironic.
Lunch? The tacky McDonald's in Times Square. It was cheap, we were hungry, and it was right next to the next stop on our New York adventure...
Madame Tussauds - Times Square
I had never been, Jennifer had visited the one London (I think). We had a coupon from the Entertainment Book that Jennifer's mom got us. So that alone paid for the book. Some of the mannequins looked kinda fake, however; I'm almost certain that was the REAL Michael Jackson. We took a lot of pictures. I'm not sure why people went there before cameras were commonplace.
Strand Books - Broadway between E 12th and E 13th
Home of 18 miles of new, used, rare, and out-of-print books - in other words, Heaven. Jennifer had to cut me off, as usual. I love, love that place.
John's Pizzeria - 260 W 44th
Dinner before the play - highly recommended by Paul & Bekky Robbins. The three of us split a pie with prosciutto while Jennifer tried the chicken Alfredo. Everything was delicious. And pretty much right across the street from the playhouse.
Memphis - The Musical
Not a bad show. It won a Tony in 2009 for something. It sold itself as more of a rock-n-roll show, which I was hoping for. Instead, we got more rhythm and blues. Not bad, but not what I was expecting. It was a lot like Hairspray, only not as wacky. Also, seating in the theater was worse that the Pyramid.
Junior's Cheesecake - 1515 Broadway
Delicious. I had the chocolate swirl, Jennifer got it straight. Bekky got the pumpkin, and Paul got something, but I don't remember what. We had it to go, and ate it back at Casa de Robbins. It was hard not to demolish the bag on the subway.
Tomorrow: Thai Me Down!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Back in the New York Groove, Day 0
Maybe this was written retrospectivelly, maybe it wasn't. No one is going to read this anyway, so who cares?
Thursday was a long day - I put in a full day at the office before Jennifer picked me up and we drove to Huntsville International (the name itself is hilarious - there are maybe 11 gates). I've been flying out of HSV for business travel for years now, but this was Jennifer's first time. Security has always been easy enough there, and this time was no different. I did get a pat-down from the TSA agent at the metal detector. It was a little weird, I guess. Maybe some folks will eventually get in an uproar about them.
We flew US Airways for this trip. Nothing wrong with them, I guess. I was worried that we were getting a little sporty with a 45 minute layover at Reagan National (DCA). As luck would have it, events beyond our control doubled that layover. I wasn't really worried about missing the connection (the commuter terminal is pretty small); I just get anxious about being late. Also, usually when I travel I have the unstoppable force of the US government behind me. Its weird how comforting that can be. Anyways, while DCA can be a headache and a half, I do like the meal options. We had enough time for Five Guys for dinner and Cinnabon for dessert. Doing that in 45 minutes would have been nuts.
The downside to that luxurious layover put us in at LaGuardia (LGA) pretty darn late. Our gracious hosts, Paul and Bekky Robbins, had to wait a bit for us. Also, our suitcase that we shared was deemed abandoned by the baggage clerks because it was the only one that came off the plane, or something.
Finally, we made it to the stately Robbins estate in Brooklynn. I did not sleep until we got there.
Tomorrow: There's No Business like Show Business.
Thursday was a long day - I put in a full day at the office before Jennifer picked me up and we drove to Huntsville International (the name itself is hilarious - there are maybe 11 gates). I've been flying out of HSV for business travel for years now, but this was Jennifer's first time. Security has always been easy enough there, and this time was no different. I did get a pat-down from the TSA agent at the metal detector. It was a little weird, I guess. Maybe some folks will eventually get in an uproar about them.
We flew US Airways for this trip. Nothing wrong with them, I guess. I was worried that we were getting a little sporty with a 45 minute layover at Reagan National (DCA). As luck would have it, events beyond our control doubled that layover. I wasn't really worried about missing the connection (the commuter terminal is pretty small); I just get anxious about being late. Also, usually when I travel I have the unstoppable force of the US government behind me. Its weird how comforting that can be. Anyways, while DCA can be a headache and a half, I do like the meal options. We had enough time for Five Guys for dinner and Cinnabon for dessert. Doing that in 45 minutes would have been nuts.
The downside to that luxurious layover put us in at LaGuardia (LGA) pretty darn late. Our gracious hosts, Paul and Bekky Robbins, had to wait a bit for us. Also, our suitcase that we shared was deemed abandoned by the baggage clerks because it was the only one that came off the plane, or something.
Finally, we made it to the stately Robbins estate in Brooklynn. I did not sleep until we got there.
Tomorrow: There's No Business like Show Business.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Who Moved My Disc Catcher?
Jennifer & I are in Memphis once again, this time so Jennifer could attend Paula Cerrito's bridal shower. I was not invited, and I'm cool with that. Instead I decided to play a round at the Shelby Farms disc golf course. Sometime in the last year-or-so, the Memphis Disc Golf Club did a total make-over of the course. I was impressed. Several holes were more challenging, some were a tad easier. I was up 16 strokes at the end, or a little less than 1 stroke over par on each hole. So, either the course got easier or I'm not as rusty as I thought. Awesome (I think).
Huey's, Central BBQ, or Garibaldi's? Decisions, decisions.
Huey's, Central BBQ, or Garibaldi's? Decisions, decisions.
Friday, July 23, 2010
I'm Back, Baby
I stole that from Bender "Bending" Rodriguez.
It's been over a year, which is definitely the longest I've gone without blogging since college. I know you've missed it, loyal reader(s). I know it'll be a long road back to regain your trust, but I'm committed (to some extent).
Let's be real: don't expect daily entries. Maybe weekly-ish. With that kind of specificity, I should get into politics. I like my new layout. I don't care if you do.
Also, there may be another project in the offing. We'll see.
It's been over a year, which is definitely the longest I've gone without blogging since college. I know you've missed it, loyal reader(s). I know it'll be a long road back to regain your trust, but I'm committed (to some extent).
Let's be real: don't expect daily entries. Maybe weekly-ish. With that kind of specificity, I should get into politics. I like my new layout. I don't care if you do.
Also, there may be another project in the offing. We'll see.
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