Lovin' Life In The City

Movies of Influence

2012-02-01T19:30:00.001-07:00

You know you have them, the movies that you could quote from start to finish without missing a line. That was Annie for my sister Marilyn, and I. Who needed a DVD player for the car? Not us. Our parents were were entertained with a rendition of the entire movie from start to finish --- including very over sung musical numbers --- whenever we were on a long trip. Maybe that's why we didn't travel as much as our older siblings?

To say that we aren't influenced by the movies we watch and enjoy, would be grossly inaccurate. In fact there are several personal habits that I can attribute to specific actors/characters, if not scenes from films I saw growing up, and even watch today. Not to mention the plethora of references that pepper our conversations daily.

My sister and I came at the end of our parent's breeding stage ... in fact so far at the end, that my oldest brother's son was born a mere 4 months ahead of me. So where most of my friends were listening to the music and watching classics of the 60's and 70's courtesy of their parents, my sisters and I were brought up on the music and films of the 40's and 50's. Of course, we grew up in the best era of all -- the 80's and to say the works of that decade didn't play a leading role would dash all my pretty in pink hopes and dreams.

A few weeks ago a reference made me think of the movie "Sing" - a 1989 musical that was a favorite of my older sister, and by extension the rest of us. I decided to see if I could find a copy --- apparently it is out of print --- but thanks to eBay ... I found a video store cast-off VHS copy. I was so excited. Then I realized that I no longer own a VCR.

The experience made me wonder what other films I grew up on that are "out of print" or at risk of extinction? I love the movies my mother shared with us, and the stories of how things were "back then" when she could buy a gallon of milk, a loaf of bread, candy and a movie ticket --- that included a news reel, 2 cartoons and a feature --- all for a mere quarter. I wondered if I would miss out on sharing those things with my own children if once copyrights fell into the public domain if without container charges to gain any sort of profit from, if they would even bother to convert them and upload them to our iClouds.

So I began a list. A list of the movies and shows that we loved. And I've begun a quest to acquire physical copies while I still can - in hopes to find a way to digitize them for my kids --- or at least show them what a "video tape" or "DVD" looked like!

Here is what I have so far. I'd love to hear your favorites below ... incase I forgot some!

Sing (1989)
Shag (1989)
The Goonies (1985)
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Can't Buy Me Love (1987)
The Princess Bride (1987)
Short Circuit (1986)
Short Circuit 2 (1988) --- "Hey Laser Lips! Your momma was a snoooow blower!!!"
Inspector Gadget (1983)
Strawberry Shortcake (1983)
Silver Spoons (1982)
Diff'rent Strokes (1978-1986)
Knight Rider (1982)
Facts of Life (1979-1988)
Pollyanna (1960)
Family Ties (1982)
He-Man (1983)
She-Ra (1985)
The Secret Garden (1993)
Care Bears (1985)
Rainbow Brite (1985)
Punky Brewster (1984-1988)
Mr. Rogers (1968-2001)
I Love Lucy (1951)
Threes Company (1976)
Newsies (1992)
The Love Boat (1977)
Annie (1982)
The Sound of Music (1965)
The King and I (1956)
Holiday Inn (1942)
White Christmas (1954)
Easter Parade (1948)
Singing In The Rain (1952)
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band (1968)

Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

Gigi (1958)

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

An American In Paris (1951)

Good News (1947)

On The Town (1949)
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
How To Marry A Millionaire (1953)

Abandoned Dreams

2012-01-29T22:54:00.002-07:00

In an attempt to clean out abandoned drafts of blog posts I came across this gem ... the beginning of a post drafted over 2 years ago in November 2009:

One night, at the office until about 11PM all alone, trying to get billing in before the next day deadline, I hit shuffle on my iPod and tried to make the most of the tedious hours.

I found myself singing along to Survivor's Eye of the Tiger at the top of my lungs and with furvor. The next song came on, but my mind kept tracing the lyrics:

So many times, it happens too fast

You change your passion for glory

Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past

You must fight just to keep them alive

In the midst of the dregs of the job, I started to wonder what passions I had traded for glory or what dreams I had let slip by.

Ironic that I'm sitting here wondering if I'm not still in the same situation, just a different location. At the time I was working for a respected entertainment lawyer who I love and adore. I left just over a year ago in pursuit of finishing an unfinished degree while working in a bank on the other side of the country - a step seemingly miles away from where I want to be.

Tonight I was pondering life's next steps. What happens in a year once I've finished school? What have I been doing with my time to be closer to where I want to be?

I have to say, I acknowledge that my life has never gone according to plan. Not according to my plan anyway. While going through some papers at my parents house I found a life cycle chart that I believe I made in 4th grade. (Because in 4th grade we obviously knew what the course of the rest of our life would be.) According to the wheel I was to have graduated from medical school at 26, after which I was to promptly be married, and then I believe the rest of my life had to do with grandchildren, etc, finally ending with a very dramatic depiction of my death.

From time to time I do an internet search for this one boy I had a crush on in 6th grade. He has been off the radar for quite some time now. He moved to Florida after elementary school and we lost touch. I'd often wondered if he would be what he had planned on being back then; a doctor. Most of my friends have adapted their career paths to the ever changing industries and are nowhere near where they anticipated being --- in a good way. Somehow though, I suspected that he would accomplish exactly what he had planned to do.

Turns out I was right.

Having completed his residency, he is now a practicing orthopedic surgeon in Florida. I admire that. I admire those who knew so young what they were going to do. I think in many ways I know what I do want to be in the end. The timing just hasn't been right. I spend my time maintaining talents that have yet to find their ultimate purpose. I often view my career choices as placeholders for that ultimate goal, and think that is likely the reason for my unrest.

Do I wish that I had stuck with it and gone to medical school. Sure. However, I can't imagine giving up the life that I have had. I've met incredible people, I've made amazing friends, I've seen brilliant parts of this world. And none of it would have happened had I stuck to that life cycle chart.

Maybe I'm not the type to have fixed dreams. Maybe the beauty of my life is to live the unexpected; to experience more than I had imagined for myself, even if that means wandering in unforeseen territory at times.

I haven't a clue what is around the next corner. I know that I would like to be on a coast, that I would like to not be tied to a desk, and that I want what I do to have far reaching ripple effects. I know that where I stand, I could do any number of things. There is no set path. My possibilities are endless.

I could cook
I could have my own tv show
I could write
I could be a photographer
I could travel and write travel guides
I could go to medical school
I could go to law school
I could plan parties
I could become an archivist
I could be a film editor
I could teach dance

But choosing any one would all result in abandoned dreams. They would all be placeholders for the one job that matters most; the one job that would combine everything and leave no dream abandoned. All I've ever truly wanted to be is an incredible wife and mother. It's funny, there has never been a job that I have interviewed for that I haven't gotten, except for the one that I want most of all.

Have I abandoned that dream? Absolutely not.

I often think if we abandon dreams that we lacked the conviction for them in the first place. That they belonged to someone else. But this one, I know belongs to me.

Far From Home

2012-01-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

I often speak of wanting to live in a foreign country, a view I did not share until I had actually left the country for the first time in 2010. Whether it was simply falling in love with Japan or the idea that so many different places could offer me experiences that would no doubt stretch me and help me to become more than what I had planned for myself, I haven't been able to stop envisioning my life overseas.

Since then I've traveled quite a bit, and am convinced more and more that I would grow a lot by living in a foreign country. I can't wait to finish this pesky degree so that I can get over there. Regular visits back for much needed haircuts (a girl can't give up her hairstylist) and family visits have been factored in. Living in the West when most of my family is in the East, sometimes feels like a foreign country. Particularly when tragedy strikes.

Early in December my sister in law was in a horrible accident after hitting black ice on her way to work, which has left her paralyzed from the chest down. It was hard to hear that. She's a good person. Fortunately she is in good hands and is being cared for by the same neurology team who took care of Christopher Reeves.

A week after her accident, the family received some good news. The appeal on the case against the attackers who macheted their way into the home of her sister and brother in law, my brother's mission companion, was denied. http://www.kjonline.com/news/supreme-court-upholds-life-sentences-for-fortune_2011-12-13.html

Last night, however, her father, who in the face of her accident was keeping a stiff upper lip and pushing through, suffered a sever accident of his own. He has lost a hand, punctured his spleen, and cracked a few ribs. He's been revived several times and we're hoping the news of his accident does not derail MonaRae's recovery.

My heart goes out to my nephew, David. Who, being a dutiful son and grandson is splitting his time between bedsides. He's exhausted, but he's pushing along.

It is hard to not have the ability to be home to step in, to sit and wait and watch with the rest of them. I used to think about the value of those who were always in the same place, who could be relied on all the time to be there. The rocks of a community; and how it would be nice to someday be that person for someone else. That sometimes those growing experiences are right in our own circles.

I suppose there are always going to be drawbacks, and given our family is spread out, it is not likely I'd be able to be there for everyone all the time. I guess that's why we have airplanes, phones, emails, and all those other millions of ways we can say "I love you". I do wish however, I was there.

Here's hoping a miraculous recovery for all.

2011 - Friends, Family & Gold Medallion

2012-01-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

At the end of this year, I am grateful for a loving family, a warm home , good friends, and my knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It has helped me through some of the ups and downs of this year. The end of last year involved a move from New York City to Salt Lake City. A complete change. In many ways I’m still adjusting to that. Fortunately, I have had experiences that have kept me going.

I learned how to snowboard for the first time in my life! The first day was rough – especially for my friends! I think it took several hours for me to get halfway down the first run. Then suddenly, on the second half, I just stood up and voila, I was snowboarding!

The second day was a million times better and very optimistic friends convinced me to try a blue run … I was so exhausted by the end, but what a great experience! I haven’t had that much fun since I was last competing in ballroom.

In February, I fell in love with Edward … my silver 2008 Volvo S40. I’d been attempting to get around town on public transportation … it really isn’t feasible out here. To think that I was able to get around for 4 years in NYC without a car is pretty impressive. You may laugh, but it has been rough remembering to watch my gas gage and remembering regular maintenance after so many years of not having to think of that. Edward and I are still on good terms and I can’t wait for our first anniversary.

In March I had the privilege of getting together with family to witness and celebrate the wedding of my cousin. It had been a long time since I’d seen most of my cousins on that side, and I loved being able to be in Vegas for that occasion. It has been wonderful feeling closer to them as we’ve made an effort to see each other through the year.

In late June, after a brief visit to Amsterdam, I was fortunate enough to be able to visit the Tanners in London. They are always so welcoming and I do truly feel like I have a second family in them. We took in as much as our feet would allow. We attended Wimbeldon, the Royal Regatta at Henley on Thames, had a private tour of Parliament, sat in the House of Commons, and ate the most amazing gelato at Harrods.

It was so much fun to stop by the Apple Corps office and finally meet everyone on the Beatles team that I’d worked with for so long in name only. We truly had a wonderful time.

After about a week in London, I took a plane over to Germany to visit Alan, who had recently moved over there with his job. What a beautiful place. I had so much fun photographing the town, the pedestrian areas, and the amazing cathedrals. More amazing gelato, but nothing quite like the Harrod’s £5/scoop experience.

The Italian influence in so much of that area has placed Italy higher on my list of places to visit. I left Germany on July 4^th, ceremoniously declared my independence in London, and landed in NYC just in time to see the Macy’s firework display welcoming me back home. It was an incredible experience that made me remember just how much I love the US.

In August I made it back east for my aunt's 90^th birthday party, a haircut, and oral surgery.

My trips home to get my haircut have been my favorite indulgence. Joey is the best. Hands down; The Best. I love that I can just sit and let him work his magic and never once do I think … oooh I wish he hadn’t done this or that. But more than that, I know that when I show up, I’m coming home to a friend as well.

Oral surgery. I went to see the dentist who has been taking care of my mouth since I was 3 years old. He and his wife haven’t changed at all over the years. They are just as kind and wonderful and always bring with them the shared memories of our families. The prognosis … a molar that was too cracked to sustain repair. Within 2 hours of leaving his office I was driving to the oral surgeon.

In late August, I made a concerted effort to try to have more UT centered experiences. I decided to see what all the fuss about the mountains was and began going on hikes every nice day to a new trail. I now understand when people say they miss the mountains. You can read about some of my adventures at www.hikingitinheels.blogspot.com.

In September I entered some photographs into the State Fair, and was pleasantly surprised with some of the comments and the ratings. I made it a goal to finally make the leap and buy my camera.

At the end of September, one of the friends who taught me to snowboard earlier in the year, called and said he had planned a trip to Australia and New Zealand and had found himself without anyone to travel with. I had been planning a trip to New Mexico to visit the cliff dwellings and witness the balloon festival there, when suddenly those plans fell apart. I had never considered going to Australia.

I envisioned open, dry land with people in funny hats riding around in utility vehicles, saying g’day a lot. Whether it was the disappointment of my own trip falling apart or the great job he does at convincing someone to go, I said yes. Within 12 days I was on a plane.

It was the most amazing 2.5 weeks I’ve ever spent. I can’t believe my first scuba diving and snorkeling experience was along the Great Barrier Reef! We pet kangaroos and watched whales. The testimonies of his friends/second family/investigators/converts were inspiring and I hope to return or at least have them visit with me here in the States.

I’ve been studying, trying to push through my classes. I thought it would be easier than it is. I find working, trying to rebuild a social life, getting settled, and studying on top of it all, a lot to handle. I have no idea how I ever did it the first time around!

Loved my trip to Chicago for Mom’s birthday and the time spend time with her and my sisters … it was hard to leave, but leaving was the only way to fly my 50,000^th mile of 2011!!! Hello, Gold Medallion status :)

I’ve been blessed through the entire year to have such great support by my family and my NYC friends as well as those new friends I’ve made here. At the mercy of my Heavenly Father, it has been a good year with many amazing, never to have again, experiences with dear family and friends.

2009 - A Wonderful Year

2009-12-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

December 2009

I’ve been so teary this holiday season. A beautiful package, a nice note, people helping someone’s grandmother across the street. Maybe it’s the hours I’ve spent driving around looking for a parking space in New York City listening to Delilah – for the Christmas music of course – and balling every time they play Christmas Shoes. Elf even brings the tears, especially when Buddy the Elf finally inspires everyone to spread Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear.

Some may attribute it to holiday stress, but in the few moments I’ve had to sit and think today, I realized, I’m just overcome with gratitude, at every turn.

Remembering where I was last year, nervous about moving, but praying that I would move out and be independent by my upcoming birthday, not sure if I would make it in New York City on my own, I see how much this year has brought me.

After worries about signing the lease on my own, it was finally accomplished and I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful women as they have come and gone with their internships and studies.

Worried about fitting into a singles ward and making contacts in a Stake I knew little of, I was asked to be the Compassionate Service Leader in our ward and later also the Primary Activity Days Specialist for the Stake. Both callings which have helped me make friends and which I have reaped more than I have sown. One of the greatest blessings is to finally have my NYC person, a friend to call on, Amanda Haslam … we were afraid at first that we really did have the same brain, but after realizing we were still our own persons (she loves the hymn If You Could Hie To Kolob and I am not a fan) we find our differences compliment each other at every turn.

While most of my family lost their jobs this year and budgets have been tight, I’ve been blessed with a job I enjoy and a boss who I adore. We laugh, we cry, and for all the hard work, he makes sure that I have fun from time to time. I’ve attended the Van Morrison Concert, KISS Concert, The Monty Python Documentary Premiere, and the Gala for the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias – which I love attending every year.

One of my favorite events of the year though, was watching Tara create the most amazing dinner for over 800 people in June recognizing the damaging effects of Diabetes in particular, in the death of Larry Miller. She says I helped out with the dinner … but I hardly call putting programs on the table helping out. She did an absolutely beautiful and perfectly executed job.

My absolute favorite event was this last weekend, watching my baby sister graduate from UWM with a bachelors degree in Nursing. My grandmother had hopes that all of her daughters would one day graduate from High School – a dream that seemed near impossible given their circumstances, but which they accomplished. My mother’s dream was to have us
all go to college. We’ve all gone … but only 2 have graduated. The oldest and the youngest. I’m so proud of Marilyn for helping keep Mom’s dreams alive and for setting an example that I hope to follow in the upcoming year.

I had no intentions of traveling this year with the cost of living, especially for the first time in New York City, being so high. But I squeezed in a few trips. This year I’ve been to DC – for the most amazing birthday celebration as well as attending the Inaugural Concert, Pennsylvania to see family and celebrate birthdays, New Jersey (countless times) but always to visit with family and have some great times with everyone down at Aunt Dot’s, New Hampshire, Maine (ate the most amazing lobsters in Maine! And made friendships that will last a lifetime), Utah (twice), Wisconsin (twice), California – to visit Kendra’s darling family and celebrate Tara’s Diabetes Walk accomplishments, Massachusetts to attend a fantastic conference wherein we worked on brainstorming ideas on how to best share the gospel.

And it is for that that I am most grateful this year. I realized this year more than ever that the Savior is the only concrete thing I have to hold onto here in a bustling world. He’s there for me when I’m on a shady street late at night, He’s there for me when I have to make decisions that seem beyond my wisdom, He’s there to help me serve others, He’s there to grant me peace when emotions are stirred high. My goal this coming year is to show Him just how grateful I am for all that He is for me.

One of the scariest things I’ve done this year is to actually start my own business. People have urged me for ages, but I never felt the timing was right, and now in the midst of all this holiday cheer (and tear), everything is falling into place. By the end of the year, CAKE by Maggie will be up and running. I’m finally taking all those talents and putting them to use, hoping to increase smiles in these times as people share moments with the perfect chocolate chip cookie, or melt into the most amazing cupcake with even more dazzling frosting. It’s a project that has been 7 years in the making, but this year, because of the encouragement and support, and helpful hands of close friends and family, it is coming to light. I just want to make a special shout out to Tara Demke, who helped me with the name, and to Brad Muramoto, who helped me come up with the most perfect logo, as well as all of their support and encouragement. What was once a venture full of fear, is now an adventure filled with enthusiasm. So visit! Buy! And donate to the American Diabetes Association while you’re at it. www.cakebymaggie.com

Thank you for all of your love and encouragement. I couldn’t do any of this without you.

For all the stresses and tears and disappointments that come with being single in New York City, I’ve had so much to be grateful for, more than I could ever list. But most of all, I’m grateful for the news that the angel brought as he announced, Unto us is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11.

May you have a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

All My Love,

~M

Yes, I Believe.

2009-11-27T20:37:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. When I was younger, much much younger, I would get all dressed up in a pilgrim outfit that was probably a sibling's school play costume that I found in the attic. I marveled in what those first settlers went through. All in their quest to secure a better life, and worship God, someone our society today seems to try to forget. I imagined the joy they felt to find help before a long winter after so many hardships, and wondered what simple things in my life brought me such joy.

One of my very favorite things to do was to sit and watch the Macy's Parade as it was broadcast in the morning each year. I would marvel at the dancers, the Rockettes, the high school bands, the drill teams and hope that someday I would get to go. Given that I lived across the river most of my life, its surprising that this year was the very first time I ventured out.

I couldn't have picked a better year. The new parade route put the start line at the end of my street, so the 5:00am walk to the fence line couldn't have been easier --- okay, so it could have, I am now ever so covetous of those along Central Park West, with their comfy window views! Nevertheless, meeting with friends early in the morning was fun. And this year, the weather was absolutely fantastic.

In going, I worried that the magic and sparkle that came across on television wouldn't be there ... but it was. Maybe it was the tons of confetti that the clowns threw at us every 10 minutes, but even though we weren't by Harold Square, the dazzle was there. Jimmy Fallon was the most enthusiastic celebrity. It seemed as though his thoughts were "I can't believe I'm on a float in the Macy's parade. This is soooo cool." I love seeing Kermit, Snoopy, and the Smurfs. I loved cheering on the high school drum lines, watching the faces of the children around us as the clowns tossed confetti in their hair, and overall, I loved the humanity of New York where family is concerned.

There was an added bonus of having friends in the parade (and even a client) which made it all that more personal.

I don't know why I waited so long to go. But I'm blessed that the opportunity this year was too easy to pass up. It was the perfect start to a great Thanksgiving Day with family and friends. It was the perfect launch into a bustling Christmas Season. I am so grateful for my supportive family, and for dear friends in the city who make the experience absolutely fantastic. I'm grateful for the seasons we enjoy and the feeling and wonderment that come with them - evidence to me that someone greater than us all created them. I'm grateful for Jesus Christ who made it possible for me to enjoy all of these things, and for me to enjoy my family forever.

Thank you Macy's, for all the hard work. The memories I have from years past and the new memories from this year are wonderful ones full of family and dear friends. As for my answer to the questions on the balloons at the end of the Parade --- Yes, I Believe.

What is it?

2009-11-24T21:48:00.001-07:00

All of the social networking tools we have today are great. We find friends we didn't bother to stay in touch with after high school, research people we're interested in (ie socially acceptable stalking), and often find out information we would have been better off not knowing.

Through the feed of such a networking tool, I found out that an ex was getting married exactly 1 year to the weekend of our last face to face visit. I saw it, I crinkled my nose at it, and moved on.

Then one busy Saturday I came home, threw the mail on my bed, and ran out to catch an evening performance. I end up sitting directly behind a former prospect, who was on a date. He saw me and quickly turned around. After the performance, I could feel him turning to talk. Really?!??! I quickly got up and moved out of the row.

Heading home, late, I saw the pile of mail
between me and a good night's sleep - or so I thought. In the mix of lease renewals, flyers, and bills was an enveloped with my address scrawled across the front.

It had been mailed four days before. I opened it up expecting it to be one of several former roommates' wedding invitations. A wedding invitation it was. To the ex's wedding, that day. What!?!? That's right. He mailed it 4 days before the wedding. His wife had forbidden Him contacting me 3 months before. I obeyed - he's since texted, emailed - all of which I've ignored. Who does that? Who thinks "I better send my ex my wedding invitation as I'm on my way out of town to my wedding"?

The color of the insert: Teal - the color of gangrene. Was I holding his cold feet?

I threw it across the room.

In the morning, still incredulous, I called my mother - my wise confidant - whose only reaction was "what is it with you? Nick still calls you on Christmas when he's at the airport with his wife. Jack tries to meet up with you when his girlfriend is out of town. Fred calls you right before he proposes. - and what about those other ones that made you their first call after they got engaged?".

I don't know! I don't know.

But I do know that I'm tired of it. I'm tired of being the last girl they date before they get married. I'm tired of them looking at me such that their wives shoot daggers and their communications come from the shadows. To the wives: I don't want your husbands. You went through my laundry, remember? To the men: what are you holding onto? What is it?

Fortunes

2009-09-29T16:51:00.001-06:00

I don't know where September went. I had planned on savoring the smells of the start of Fall, sniff boquets of sharpened pencils, etc. But somehow this month has gotten away from me and I'm swiftly heading into October - though an apple picking trip is scheduled.

Anyway, in the hectic pace of everything - I've been ordering in. It's horrible, I've gained 5 lbs as a result, I keep telling myself it's the salt, but I know it's more about stress, stress eating, and never seeing daylight.

Today I ordered in again - steamed veggies and chicken - and of course my favorite part is the fortune cookie. A bit of sugar to keep my spirits up and a little "hey, your life will be fantastic" note inside.

I admit it. I am a saver of the fortune cookie message. I save fortune cookie messages and movie ticket stubs. Why, I don't know. I'm sure there is some archival expectation of leaving such wonderful things to my grandchildren, maybe to see if the fortunes come true, and if not, so I can tell them about all the movies I saw.

Here is the fortune for today: Stop searching forever, happiness is just next to you.

Now, had I been out to lunch with a dashing young professional, this would have made me giddy inside ... but alas, I was sitting at my desk, in my paper palace. Where I am right now. I was a little bummed. And then the receptionist stopped by my desk, saw the slip of paper and sad "Mag! That's me! I'm your happiness!". She is a little ball of sunshine.

I decided to pull out all the fortunes from the container I throw them in in my drawer. This is what we have:

People find it difficult to resist your persuasive manner. (It's so true)

You will be fortunate in everything you put your hands to.

You display the wonderful traits of charm and courtesy. (What a lovely thing to say)

What's vice today may be virtue tomorrow.

You will take a chance in something in the near future. (perhaps open my own business for once!)

Time is the wisest counselor.

You are capable, competent, creative, careful. Prove it.

Strike iron while hot. (still waiting ... it's at luke warm)

You believe in the goodness of mankind.

Many receive advice, only the wise profit by it.

You display the wonderful traits of charm and courtesy (twice, it must be true!)

Sing and rejoice, fortune is smiling on you.

You will be showered with good luck.

Your mentality is alert, practical and analytical.

Your dearest wish will come true. (if my grandchildren get to read this one, then it will be true)

The best prophet of the future is the past.

Life to you is a dashing and bold adventure.

You will win success in whatever calling you adopt.

Avert misunderstanding by calm, poise, and balance.

You never hesitate to tackle the most difficult problems.

So here's to the future and whatever it brings.

Watchmen

2009-08-27T18:05:00.000-06:00

Long ago and far away my best friend and I would dream about what it would be like for me to live in New York City. She would pretend she was going to live there too, but the discussions were always about my perfect New York City experience. We talked about the big building on the West Side I would live in, the doorman who would tip his hat and smile as I walked down our beautiful stairs. I would be New York skinny, with a fun skirt and fabulous purse. The flower merchant on the corner would smile and nod at me while handing me a bloom, just because. I would take the long walk through the park, stop by my favorite breakfast shop, who would have my favorite breakfast food ready, all on my way to my fabulous job. Walking into the building I would say hello to some more faithful doormen and be on my way to an exciting job where I chatted with important people and then could have a fantastic nightlife or a walk through Central Park barefoot if I wanted. Of course some gorgeous Italian guy would then pick me up and throw me on the back of his motorbike and we would be off ....

I have to say, there are days when the dream is mostly a reality. Days when I feel I live a charmed life. Mind you, I'm not New York skinny (yet), and my flower merchant makes me pay for my blooms (she's not won over by my charm somehow) but the rest is pretty true (because the guy on the motorbike will be there someday!).

I think what makes me feel that way, are all my doormen along the way. They're always there with a smile, a nod, a "good morning". Sometimes even an offer to walk me to the subway stop with an umbrella when I've been caught in the rain. These men have no real obligation to me. I don't live or work in their buildings. But we see each other everyday and so it's just nice to say hello.

There's the doormen at Bradjolina's new place, there's the guy who collects for the homeless that smiles and wishes me good morning, Charlie who tells me when the outfit is working, but blows me kisses everyday regardless, Phil at the hotel who smiles and waves, and the stern guard at the building who lets me get away without showing my ID (for a while anyway) or his replacements who let me get by with a smile and a good morning. There's the evening shift who are just as nice.

Sure, you say. They see a lot of people everyday, they're just being nice. They don't really know me. And I think it's true, that's how it starts out. They're professionals afterall, the fronts for their establishments, the greeters.

And then yesterday, I was walking home and I realized that they really are watchmen. PJ in my building always says goodnight and uses my name, as he always has. What surprised me though, was that one of the doormen brothers at the luxury apartment building down the street stopped me on my way worried because he hadn't seen me in a few days. He wanted to make sure everything was okay. I explained I had been away on holiday and he was satisfied, smiled and waved and wished me a good evening.

I realized there are good men all about me and they help to make my New York dreams come true. New York is a charmed city because of them. No girl dreams of staying at the Plaza without picturing the doorman who will get her door. They make New York, New York. So here's to the good men of New York. The watchmen and greeters. The ones who stand ready with a smile and a salutation. Here's to Charlie, Phil, PJ and the Brothers. Thank you.

Missing Something

2009-08-02T20:01:00.000-06:00

New York City has fantastic parks and trails, despite being a city. But one thing that Manhattan is missing is a proper beach. Probably because rivers never make good beach fronts. Many New Yorkers have taken to using the lawns in the parks as places to sunbathe. This is not a concept that I have been able to adopt so whenever a sunny weekend should present itself, I go back to my roots and head to the Jersey Shore.

The phrase conjures up a certain stereotype, no doubt. The perma-tan skin, the tattoos, the girls who shouldn't be wearing bikinis strutting in too short jean shorts that are unbuttoned and unzipped, with an equally inviting phrase plastered across each cheek, in case you missed the message they were trying to send. Fortunately, not all Jersey Shore beaches are so "klassy". Our beach of choice has always been Spring Lake, where the single guys are most likely to be doctors or investment bankers or living off a trust fund.

Not that we ever expect to find true love at the beach, it's just that the temperament suits us better.

This last weekend I caught the early train down so we hit the beach front in the height of activity, which meant parking was a nightmare. We drove all around, attempted to squeeze into spaces that were clearly not meant to be squoze into, and we dreamed about which houses we would soon own (emphasis on dream) so that we wouldn't have the battle the next time we came down. Every spot we saw was grabbed by someone else and it seemed that we would have to park way down to have a chance. And then the perfect spot opened. In fact it seemed to have been just waiting for us.

We grab our bags and head down the short block to the beach entrance. Across the street, walking in the same direction, is a guy and what appears to be his girlfriend. Typical college guy build, attractive, but nothing incredibly remarkable. He was wearing a white tshirt and white shorts, aviators. Very unnotable. But something seemed strangely familiar. It couldn't be though, that would be ridiculous. I didn't mention it and kept on in my current conversation. And then he moved his hand, again nothing remarkable, but it seemed to confirm my first suspicions. The chance that we would be walking on the same street, heading to the same beach front, at the same time, come on. It has to be someone else.

We cross the street, they crossed ahead of us as we got caught by traffic. I'd convinced myself it wasn't him, and so didn't pay much attention the rest of the way in. Until strangely there was some commotion where the beach tags are sold, that he was still standing there, he hadn't yet gone onto the beach. I was about 5 feet away, and then I saw his profile - it had to be him. I didn't want to be that person though, the one who shouts a name and it turns out not to be who you thought, so I was about to walk by. But it would bug me all day if I didn't at least try. So in a voice no louder than a speaking voice (which for me is quite soft) I said "Trent?" Slowly, he turns his head, "No way".

He comes over hugs me, introduces the girlfriend, she stands off to the side behind him as he starts just rambling about his work, his family. He looked good, I'm not going to lie, but then again he always was very vain. It had been nearly three years since I saw him. Three years since he told me that I was the girl he wanted to marry, but he wasn't looking to get married for 3 years. Three years since I found out that he was sleeping with his HS girlfriend when he told me he was going to visit family for the weekend. Three years since he told me that I ruined everything, that everything was perfect. Because, afterall, everyone should have their cake and eat it too.

I spent the day wondering why the cosmos thought it necessary to bring us together that day. I thought maybe there was something more to be learned. Maybe our paths were meant to cross for a time again. I even went so far to think that all the garbage could be swept away with some time spent together. I invited him and the girlfriend to come join some friends at my aunt's beach house. Stupid - but I needed to sort out the reason for this. He told me he couldn't because they were going to his grandmother's 80th birthday party ... I think grandma turned 80 3 years ago, too.

Even now, the reason eludes me. I'm still sad when I think about our relationship. It seemed perfect. For years we did everything together. He was my best friend. I suppose though, we both knew that one or the other would have to change to make things work, and neither wanted to require that of the other person.

It's kinda like New York City. I love New York and for this part of my life, it's perfect. But deep down I know I need a yard and a dog and a picket fence and a kitchen the size of a cottage to have the long term dreams in my life complete. And most important, I need a beach. All things that this perfect city cannot offer me. And so somewhere in the future we will part. But for now, I will stay and just visit the Jersey Shore.

Pioneer Day (Observed)

2009-07-27T13:37:00.000-06:00

Whenever I have the opportunity to explore the parks or take an extended journey somewhere in the city, I try to take a route that I've never traveled before. This city has so many views to offer that I know I will never experience them all, but at least this way I hope to be able to take in a few.

A few weeks ago, I decided to explore Riverside Park. Each time I take a different way around, a new exit, what have you. I've discovered the Boat Basin Cafe (though have yet to go ... on the list, though) and the bike/footpath along the Hudson River. Over the last few weeks, I've been taking time to take short walks, a few runs, and the occasional trip to lie on the lawn and read in the sun (when there is some!).

I had the day off today, my own little Pioneer Day (observed), as my boss needed me in the office on Friday. I had no real plans, as I hadn't planned on being off, and while several suggests were given, I decided to see where the day would take me.

Late morning I decided to go for a walk, to take a new route through the park. Just as I had reached the point I had planned to go to, I looked up and saw the George Washington Bridge. I pulled out my iPhone, figured out how far it would be and decided to do it. I wasn't prepared. I had no water with me, no sunblock, but I decided to do it anyway. So I put my iPod on shuffle and was off.

There were several strange turns, the path was kept up better in some areas than others. Strangely enough, it was better kept in the areas of the island that I would not otherwise walk through. I walked past a water filtration plant, passed graffitied buildings, and sometimes through mud.

The road was paved and for the most part flat, so there were no real obstacles. Occasionally the sign would divert pedestrians to a different path than bikers. One such situation occurred as I was nearing what seemed to be the end. The bridge was big in sight, Google maps showed that I didn't have far to go. But suddenly the path wasn't paved anymore, it was a thin narrow dirt path, the kind you find in the woods, the off shoots of a proper hiking trail. This path narrowed further and further until it came to the cliff side where some makeshift boards had been placed over the rocks as the water splashed against them below. The path up ahead was not in sight as the cliff face curved and it looked desolate and overgrown.

I stood there fore a moment trying to decide if this was as close to the dream that I would get, or if I took the chance to cross the wobbly boards to see what, if anything, was waiting for me on the otherside. Several thoughts ran through my head.

Last night I had the opportunity to attend a fireside (lecture) by the recently appointed President of Utah Valley University, and son of the Apostle, Elder Holland, Dr. Matt Holland. After his remarks about Abraham Lincoln he took a moment to share a story about his struggles to find a wife.

He commiserated with us, saying that he'd sat where we were now, literally, having lived in Boston and come to Manhattan to find girls while attending grad school. He had decided that his lack of success in love was that he did not have a dating theme. So he decided it would be the Drive of 95, wherein he would not eat a meal outside of the presence of a person of the opposite sex the entire summer, and he never missed a meal. But nothing was clicking. Then on his return from a particularly horrible date, his sister decided that she would find him a wife.

A few days later she came home with one name. He called the girl, and the only free time both of them had was the very evening before he left for grad school, which just so happened to be the very day after his baby brother (7 years younger) was getting married in the typical Mormon tradition, of just 1 year after returning from his mission.

He awoke the morning after the wedding completely depressed and completely without faith in the promised blessings. In his misery he got up to walk down the hall to call this girl to cancel and just spend the day getting ready for grad school. As he was walking he distinctly remembers the thought "I may not have the faith, but I have hope". And so he went on the date, they got married, and they have a family.

I stood today at what just seemed like a forgotten path, and debated going back, thinking I would try another day, but knowing in my heart that I would likely not make that trip again. I pulled out Google maps, it said I could make it all the way there, but then again, the directions have led me astray before. I was ready to give up on the goal of making it to the bridge because the path seemed too unsure, and I couldn't see what was up ahead. And then something in me said, just try it, maybe something better is on the other side.

So I stepped out, I crossed the boards, which were most unsteady, and there, coming up around the corner was an open field, a field that sat on top of a hill that overlooked the base of the Bridge. I was going to reach my goal. It was possible.

Over the last couple of weeks or so I've felt like I'm standing at the boards. I've been traveling alone for a long time. I don't even know if I have everything I need with me, or if I'll have enough energy to make it to what has been promised. It's hard. There's no set plan, there's no ETA listed. I have only my gut to guide me, and prayer to help me through the sticky times. My exes admit that I've had a rough road, and that they have let me down. My family doesn't know how I have the optimism to think the next one will really work out. But I've been promised blessings. I've been promised a family, and even though time seems to be rushing past, I have hope that they will work themselves out.

I watch as friends who have taken the other path are enjoying those blessings I have been promised, and wonder if I missed something. If somehow I was supposed to be on the wider path. But I've checked the road maps, and there is a promise that those blessings are mine up ahead. I just have to walk forward, relying on the direction I have been given. I must step beyond the fear, even though the danger of getting hurt again is mocking me below. Only then can I feel the relief, and reach the goal.

Couture

2009-06-30T03:37:00.000-06:00

I love this city. I love the pace and the way it changes, I love that there are buildings that are a hundred years old and still the most beautiful things on the block. But most of the time I am rushing from place to place, weaving between cabs, and running across redlit crossways in 4 inch stilettos, hoping to make my next appointment, get to a store before it closes, or running to catch a train.

There is the rare occasion when I give the stilettos a break and don more comfortable shoes and stroll down Fifth Avenue or the small boutiques on the East and West Side. In those quieter areas, the shops have some of the world's finest items. They are beautiful. The shops are quiet, there are few patrons. Walking in, the sales associates are willing to do anything to gain a commission, but stalwartly in the window or up on a pedestal is the most amazing dress; hand crafted, one of a kind, unlike anything else in the world. There are many who admire it from the window, some who will even dare to come in to get a closer look, some who are brazen enough to ask if it will go on sale, but there are few who have the means to call it their own. And far less of those who know of its worth. But there it stands, exquisite, confident. It knows that the one who it fits perfectly, the one who appreciates the handstitching, the quality of the fabric, and all of its color, will come and take it home.

Until the right buyer comes along, there are those who will have the means to buy. They'll stop by every week, admire the dress, maybe even try it on. The sales clerk will try endlessly to find the right words, the one phrase that will make the sale, all in vain. The fact of the matter is that these pretenders won't make the investment. They will never buy. Just visit, waste time. Wear the dress down a bit.

For days I keep rehashing the evening with Jake on that Monday. I guess really just rehashing the whole weekend, but mostly Monday.

I sent a text to him on Sunday while I was on the train back home to cook dinner for Mom for Mothers Day. I had forgotten to pick up a book and I debated texting him or texting my roommate. I had left without talking to him. Talked to plenty of others, so yes, I was capable of speaking, but I don’t know what it is. … No, actually I do. He does what I do. He pretends he doesn't see me, while peripherally he's watching me. But I'm too stubborn to make the first move, and too impatient to wait any longer for him to, so I move on and become chatty with everyone and anyone in his eyeline. I don't really want to be that way. I want to be bubbly and cute and run up to him and throw my arms around him and kiss him on the cheek and tell him about how excited I was to come and see him, and how I wore that particular dress to drive him crazy, but he hasn't done ANYTHING to warrant such attention.

And confidently I leave. Then remorse sets in, and regret, and heartache, and hopelessness and then a thought - if only I could change it somehow … and then the text was written: "could you pick up a copy of the book for me? Totally forgot in my rush to catch a train, I'll pick it up from you either tonight or tomorrow." Send: JAKE.

Time moves so slowly, the train somehow slower, and I once again mourn the loss of my iPhone and try to find something else to distract, to amuse. Twenty minutes later a simple answer "sure". What I really planned to do when I saw him, I don't know. But I had to somehow mend this chasm between us.

I loved going home. Mom's garden, the property with all its greenery, took my breath away. I love the city, I really do, but there is just something magical about the spring in the suburbs. Dinner went well, and I fear I wasn't my usual fantastical daughterly self (I was still sore from the 4 hour workout the day before afterall), but I knew it was more than that. I don't know what's driving this. I try to blame Rick, my ex turned bff. Afterall, without his pushing over the last few months, I wouldn't have taken a second look at Jake. I had seen the girls around him all the time, and him eating up all the attention; the kisses on the forehead, the patting, the overly generous hugs. I had written him off months ago. But Rick insisted that I needed to look deeper. That he was a good guy. So I took a chance on Jake. And now I'm only hoping he'll take a chance on me, too.

When I returned from my parents place I was wiped out. I called him, he didn't pick up, so I left a message. Five minutes later he called back and we just talked. I love our talks. It's like we're just sharing thoughts. There's no real objective. Just checking in. I told him that I would meet him after work and get the book so that he wouldn't have a delay in getting home. He asked me to send him reminders throughout the day as it would be hectic with a new client. Any other guy, and I would have said "forget it" but I thought, I know him, and he's true.

I sent him one little "have a good day" type of note in the morning. I got home around 7, changed, put on sweats, expecting that he would call somewhere around 10 or so, because he's always telling me how late he works. At 8:30 the phone rings. He was already out of the building and heading uptown. Eeekk! I quickly got dressed, put on make-up, threw some cupcakes in a bag (my incessant compulsion not to show up empty handed) and headed out. He beat me to Columbus Circle where we were going to meet and ride uptown.

I came around the southwest side and he was on the northeast side, leaning against a street lamp, his tie slightly loosened. The light fell on him perfectly. He looked fantastic. I was grinning from ear to ear. I was so embarrassed at how happy I was to see him. I turned away, and pretended to walk passed him, to turn, give him the once over and say "Jake? Is that you?". I think he was upset that I walked right passed him. But perhaps I'll have a chance to explain someday.

My perma-grin was still etched on my face and he barely looked at me - so concerned perhaps of what seemed to be a plan as the evening unfolded. I thought we would just ride uptown, but instead, he decided that we would do some shopping - where I got to see the side of Jake I love. He danced, he was goofy and cute.

We walked and talked, up a few blocks … to McDonalds, his restaurant of choice, the location of the end of our first (and only) real date. We didn't really talk about it much. Actually, not at all. But walking out we talked about how he spent Sunday reading his journals, contemplating the past, and the future and with a cute smile in my direction "the present". But that conversation was cut short due to the subway, which I felt weird getting on, since I wasn't far from home. I didn't know if he wanted me to stay with him, or what … but he hadn't given me my book yet and I was so confused. I hadn't planned on taking up all that time.

He ran into some friends on the train. I didn't know them, and he didn’t try to include me in the conversation. I felt so awkward, more so than before.

We got off at his stop. And walked and talked about nothing in particular. Grocery stores. And he said that he has a hard time shopping for things that he can't take with him. That he likes to look and search, but that once he knows what he wants, he wants it right then. My thought: He doesn't feel that way about me.

I still felt awkward, like I was walking along uninvited. So when we got to his apartment building, I asked if he had my book, and he just chuckled and said, "it's upstairs".

His roommate was home when we got there, which I don’t think he was expecting. He just left me and went to get the book - didn't offer to give me a tour or anything, which I thought was strange. We chatted a bit and then I left.

I felt so foolish walking home by myself that night. Like I had done the chasing. That I was the only one pathetically interested. Like I was pushing too hard. I know I CAN be aggressive when I want something, but nothing in me ever wants to be that girl. I just want to be adored, and to give the adoration back. I resolved that day that I was done.

And I was for about three weeks. But now, I hate him just as much for making me feel that way over and over again. He says he needs me. He shows affection, calls for hours on end, and then the moment I need him, he makes me feel so foolish, so ridiculous - two things I am not.

I've sat on the back burner before and promised myself that I wouldn't do it again. I've often tried to rationalize why those men waste our time like that, but there is no good answer. So it's best to walk away, not buy into the pity pleas for attention, and know that there is someone out there who knows that couture doesn't go on sale, can't be found anywhere else, and must be treasured. Leave the bargain shoppers to the overstocks and knockoffs. This dress is going to the highest bidder.

Only Us

2009-06-12T10:51:00.000-06:00

Last Thursday, just days after I submitted my first post to this Blog, I could have sworn I was in the same car, on the same train, as Cope heading uptown. I wasn't sure it was him, until we got off the train (at the same stop no less); he was up ahead of me in the crowd. He had looked back just as he disappeared out of sight. I think he knew it was me, but thinking I had stood him up nearly a year before, he made no effort to wait for me.

When I got out of the subway, I looked around hoping to catch him. I couldn't see him anywhere. He had vanished. Then, walking across the street to the South, I saw him cross at the North. It was him. I am sure of it.

Yeah, right. What are the odds.

I would have been slow to believe, except it wasn't the only unlikely encounter for the week.

The next morning, I donned my red trenchcoat and an umbrella, and headed down the street to work, later than usual because of the unbelievable delay in trains. I was walking along, watching for puddles, wondering how much longer this "rainy season" would last, when I glanced up and caught half of a familiar face.

I ducked down to see if it was in fact him under that umbrella, and it was. He recognized me too, invoking the biggest smiles across both of our faces. Walking to each other I remark "What are the odds?" and he responded "Only us".

It was true. When I was commuting from Jersey, a precarious commute to be sure, I would often find myself on the same train, in the same car as him, sometimes early in the morning, sometimes later. There was no reasoning to it. The same would happen going downtown. Inevitably Jack* was there.

At one point we were both creeped out by the encounters, time would pass and we wouldn't see or hear from each other for ages, and then suddenly every week or so we'd bump into each other as if the cosmos had combined to put us there. It got to be so that I knew that if there was a strange delay to my commute that an encounter was coming up. Soon it became common place. Strangely those moments were moved to passing him on the street, or ending up behind him at a crosswalk. They became so frequent, that I stopped tapping him on the shoulder or getting his attention. And suddenly they stopped all together.

But it isn't just the New York moments that are so peculiar.

Years ago, when we were in High School, I had a presentation to do in my Honors English class. The assignment was to present a poem in a way that would highlight a poetic elements or something like that. I chose to sing, yes SING, Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken". We had a small class, so my embarassment, I calculated, would be contained. Except that on the particular day on which I was to present, another English class came in to join.

I did all that I could to block everyone out, which is probably why I don't remember him being there.

Class cleared out and I walked slowly down the hall, praying that the event would be forgotten. A girl can dream right?

As I approached my locker, standing on the corner was a guy I had only ever seen in passing. I couldn't imagine what it was he wanted or how he knew where my locker was. He smiled and said that he just wanted to say that I sounded great (oh goodness, he was there) and that he knew how much courage it took to do what I did. Then he was gone.

For years after graduation, whenever anything seemed particularly difficult, I would think back to that moment, and be suddenly renewed with strength to do whatever it was I needed to do, always surprised at the recollection of it.

Then one day I found a fantastic job in a fabulous city, and through a series of events came back in touch with Jack - years after we had graduated. He worked just 2 blocks west of me, what are the odds?

I think we both recognize that there is something special about the way we keep bumping into each other. And from time to time we think we're to make something more of it. But nothing we do ever seems to really stick, and so we walk away, figuring that we were wrong, that it was all just coincidence.

We don't know why we keep getting thrown together, only that we do. There is something magical about it, but we haven't figured out what.

So on this chance meeting, we smile and laugh, and know that it is "only us" who would be crossing paths once more. As common place as it has come, there is something special about each meeting and so we take the moment, despite the hundreds walking around us, to summarize our journeys since our last encounter. We make plans to catch up on the gaps, aware that the plans may or may not happen. With a kiss on the cheek and a laugh we part, more curious and less cautious about what this next stretch of road will bring.

Tuesday Morning

2009-06-09T21:24:00.000-06:00

I am a firm believer that we can overcome most of our faults, our obstacles, and the traits that prevent us from becoming better. My mother taught me that there is always something to work on and that we can never rest from that task. We are to continually progress. We heard the stories over and over again that my great grandmother's dream was to move her family to a free country, my grandmother's dream was to see her daughters graduate from High School, my mother's dream was to see her children off to college.

I'm always striving to fine tune some quality or another to become the best version of myself and let go of those things that would stand in my way. All except for one. I have a deep-seated fear of thunder.

Go ahead. Laugh.

Lightning I can handle. I only cringe when I see it knowing that soon to follow will be some loud overwhelming growl from the skies. I never really bought into the whole angels bowling or rearranging furniture stories. I even believe that God truly loves me. However, nothing seems to ease the anxiety and deep to the core shaking that comes from being in the midst of a well structured thunderstorm. In college I would cower in the hallways, at home I would climb into my little sister's bed, and now a mature adult, I pull the covers over my head and lie very still, hoping that it will all pass quickly, or if at the office, whimper softly at my desk.

I once read that a fear of loud noises is the only fear which is not a learned fear. That most babies are born with an innate fear of loud noises. But those are babies, somewhere along the way I was supposed to overcome that fear. However, I haven't. Some find the trait in me endearing, others see the immaturity, regardless it is there.

Last night's storm was unbelievable. Coworkers reveled in the majesty of it, I however, turned into my 5 year old self.

This morning, like most Tuesday mornings my mother came into the city so we could meet briefly to exchange things that she's brought me, or I've found for her. The items are not of any urgent significance, but a reason to get together. Mostly she likes to see me, to verify that when I tell her everyday by telephone that I'm doing well, that indeed I am doing well, because she knows that her little girl is still vulnerable and in need of tender loving care even if I won't admit it.

I often reflect and wonder when a parent can sit back and breathe and let their children off knowing that they have done well and that all will be well. I don't think that day ever comes.

After our morning meeting, I take the opportunity to walk the few blocks to work along Central Park West and past Columbus Circle. Usually there in the sunlight I get to witness dozens of men setting up the temporary stands that will capture the attention of thousands of tourist throughout the day. I watch them unpack every item from storage bins, set up food carts, and lay out t-shirts; tasks that are repeated day in and day out.

I admit, I walk by the photographs and wonder if they have been properly licensed, but after doing a brief assessment I look at the purveyors faces, and wonder how they do it. How do they painstakingly place each item on their feeble stands, knowing that in a few hours, after being in the hot sun all day, dealing with people who will haggle them, those who will try to steal from them, and those who will simply take up their time by asking for directions without so much as pretending to make a purchase, they will have to take each item down, re-wrap it and put it away to start all over again the next day.

I've decided they are men of great dreams. They are the type of men who build this city. They are men who look forward, who are more concerned about the future generation than they are of their own. These men are fathers, who come with little, but who hope that with each day they can do more to support a better life than they currently have for their children.

Today, there were no merchants. Chased out by the rain there was no one trying to rent me a bike, no one smiling hoping I would stop to look at their prints, no one offering me a pair of sunglasses. As I walked by I imagined the stresses that come from not knowing what a weeks income will be, or if the rain will let up in time to pay the electric bill. I then remembered all of the people who helped me be where I was, those who had struggled to make sure I had a better life.

Tomorrow, their children will still work when it rains, they will get a steady paycheck at the end of the week, and at the end of the day they will leave the office and come back to it the very same way it was left. They will have gained a great deal of work ethic by watching their fathers and they will work hard to support a better life for their children.

These are the people who make up New York City. Those who are here for themselves are squeezed out. It is those who are here to grow, to be stronger, and to build legacies that will stay and do the work, just as those before them.

Turning the corner a flash of lightning and a hint of thunder crashed, and I didn't cower. I calmed my racing heart and moved forward, knowing that I needed to be better.

The Perfect New York Moment

2009-05-31T20:32:00.000-06:00

Everyone is always saying that if you meet a stranger in New York City, the likelihood that you will ever see them again is slim to none. And yet, there are those individuals who seem to find you in varied places all over this grand city. Strangers who seem to be there at moments of your life that must have some significance in the grand scheme of things but for what purpose we may never know.

There's the kid who walks the subways asking for money/food for himself and his pet Chihuahau. There's the one other person on the floor of the building who always is in the ladies room the same time you are, but whom you've never spoken to. There's the high school crush who miraculously ends up on the same R/W train car as you at varied points of the day. But aside from those mysterious moments, most are lost again in the mix of the hustle and bustle of this great city.

My perfect New York moment was one of these strangers who after a moment's encounter I expected I would never see again.

It was a Friday; the last day of the week for my torturous commute from Princeton Jct on NJ Transit. I was exhausted and grossly under prepared for the day. But I had made it onto the overcrowded double decker train, that is after running up the stairs and flying through the door. I had learned to stop looking for seats, and just stand the 40 minutes to Newark when the majority of the passengers switched trains. So I stood in the doorway reading the In Style magazine I subscribed to merely for the $5 coupon to my favorite store it offered every month.

I was actually quite embarrassed to be reading the magazine, I'm a reader, not a fashion / gossip busy body. But with the delays in travel in the past days and weeks, I hadn't put together a new Barnes and Noble list and had grabbed the magazine as I headed out the door. Fortunately, one article proved somewhat interesting and so I focused on that and hoped the time would go by quickly. Across the way sitting on the floor no less, was an incredibly goodlooking guy who I tried to appear not to notice. He seemed to be making minor attempts to get my attention, but I knew he could try harder so I didn't respond.

After about 20 minutes he finally comes and sits on the stairs next to the doorway and of course starts to ask about the magazine. We exchange pleasantries, but I was not in the mood to give in to more, though I couldn't help but smile at how well he wore his jeans.

We pulled up to Newark and the masses scuttled by pushing him off the stairs. Here was the moment to leave him, I could just go and grab a seat next to someone else, surely he would easily find someone else to smile at. Just as I was about to dive downstairs, he motioned for me to go upstairs to find a seat. I purposely found two empty seats open next to each other, just to see what he would do. Most guys I knew would chicken out at the last minute, having used all their courage to say "hi". But he surprised me. He followed shortly and asked if I minded if he sat next to me. Surprised at his persistence I gladly offered it to him.

We chatted about our purposes in the city, where we had been and what we were off to do. He had returned from Iraq and was graduating from college in the city in 2 months -- his lease was up so he started commuting from his mom's that day. I apologized for my reading materials which led to discussions of great books. He recommended "Kite Runner" I recommended "Devil In The White City". We talked endlessly and easily.

His courage did run out however. We were on the stairs about to part ways and he had his phone out. He muttered to himself "I'll never see her again", but he never asked for my number. We smiled, and he headed to the A train, and I to the 1 train.

He had mentioned though that he commuted in on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I kept an eye out for him. A month went by and I never saw him. Until one day, it was a Monday and the train was late as per usual, and I went toward the train station clerk to wait it out. Surprisingly, I recognized him and found myself saying before I could even think about it "Cope? Is that you?". We embraced as if we were long lost friends.

The train was late and we piled on as usual into a tight space, though this time it wasn't so uncomfortable. Surprised to see him in on a Monday, he explained that he had an exam. I had in my hand the book he recommended on the subject of which we launched a long and deep discussion. (He assured me that although he was carrying school books, that he had picked up the book I recommended to read once exams were finished.)

The close quarters, with any other stranger would have put me in an uneasy situation because I tend to be that cautious, but with him there, I welcomed the moments when he leaned in so close our noses nearly touched.

Approaching Newark, there was an announcement that the Hudson River Tunnel had delays of 45 minutes and that they recommended that we get off at Newark and take the Path into the city - a journey I had never embarked on before. Cope didn't wince, he asked if I had ever gone that way, I said no and he grabbed my hand and said come on.

He lead me through the masses through the turnstiles and onto the train, making sure that I was comfortable (if that's possible) at every moment. We made it into the World Trade Center station, the sight of which gave new meaning to me of what he had been doing only a year before. The stairways and escalators never seemed to end. I was wearing my favorite red heels and red trench coat to match. He laughed at my red shoes, convinced that I should be like all the other ladies in trainers, but he knew how much I hated to be in flats, and so he just laughed at me negotiating all of the stairs.

We made it to the top and he was heading one way and I another. He walked me to my subway stop and on the crossroads of our paths in the early morning sun, pulled me into a hug that took my breath away. He then kissed my cheek, lingering, and asked me to meet him on the 7:43 am train the next day. I happily agreed.

That day I had packed as a snack a new kind of yogurt. The store I had gone to didn't carry my usual brand, and so I grabbed what looked best. I awoke that night covered in hives from head to toe. I had to run to the store to grab Benadryl and missed the train. Despite my trying to make it to the train station in time every Tuesday and Thursday, something would come up ... dead deer in the road that blocked 3 lanes of traffic, no parking, inexplicable traffic, a dump truck running through the median, a storm. You name it and on Tuesday or Thursday it would happen. Soon his graduation time had passed. I moved into the city and no longer commuted. I never saw Cope again.

He wanted to go to Harvard. I hope he made it.

We don't know why people come into our lives and then are never seen again. Maybe it's just part of the magic of this city. Maybe it's so we remember to cherish every moment. Or maybe it's so we can have those perfect moments, bringing with them hope that a life full of such moments is waiting for us.