Road Warriors and Multi-Taskers

Imagine every annoying encounter you've ever had while commuting to and from work.  You're sitting behind the wheel of your compact car, listenening to the radio, and tapping your hands on the dashboard in hopes that your constant vigil over the endless sea of cars ahead of you will enourage the momentum to inch along just a little bit faster.  Then, for no logical reason whatsoever, some silver hybrid cuts in front of you as if that that extra five feet made all the difference in their drive time.  But you're no fool.  You know you're all stuck and not going anywhere fast.

Now imagine a similar scenario, but instead of being surrounded by countless cars, you are simply surrounded by hoards of people.  Now let me tell you, foot traffic is far more entertaining than car traffic.  

What I have whitnessed upon entry in New York City, would make any person feel a twinge of anxiety. These people are hysterical... comical really. 

I mean, who continues to read their novel while walking off of the subway and down a flight of stairs while people attempt to merge around you, beside you, and in front of you??? From what I gather so far: several dozen NY women.  

I stand behind these marvelous multitaskers and think, are you really going to read that book while going down a flight of stairs??? Really lady????? 

Just like the rules of the road, there are most certainly pedestrian rules as well.  The foot traffic rules are as followed; don't text and walk or read a book while going up or down a flight of stairs in the subway, DO pick up after your dog, and gladly step aside to double check the Mets scores, and please, under no circumstances engage in small talk.  

I find myself knocking over old ladies, getting impatient with tour busses who block the crosswalk when the go light is on, and moving almost effortlessly around the slow moving texting-walkers. 

All in all, I definitely feel like I am in the flow of the legendary pace of the daily walkabouts that I've always heard about.  New Yorkers do walk fast... but I walk faster.

Oh wait... this is a commute, not a race... 

I will have to remember that the next time I am merging with distracted pedestrians... It's not a race, it's not a race, it's not a race...

Yesterday, as I rolled my luggage down the eleven-block stretch of concrete that spans between my two friends' apartments, I couldn't help but notice that I was still mowing over everyone else!!!

I don't know... Maybe the pace they set is one of the multi-tasker.  But don't count on me writing my blog while walking through Midtown.  No sir.  

I'm just not that stretched for time... Thank God. 

Today:

Screwdriver

1 oz Vodka 

Splash of orange juice. 

Something Out of Nothing

Guess what I am doing at this very moment? (Que Jeopardy music for a ten second pause.) Did you guess blogging?? Well duh.  Aside from the obvious answer, I am actually sitting in a Little Caesar's Pizzeria enjoying my very own large plain cheese.  I am a girl on a budget remember??

In a last ditch effort to shake the money tree, I have gotten fairly... ummmm -----.  Not desperate! No, no... CREATIVE!!  Yes, let's call it creative.

I rounded up about ten years worth of winter jackets, skin tight blue jeans, boots, wedges and host of other miscellaneous accessories and hauled them off to a resale clothing store.  They estimated that the sorting process would take roughly forty-five minutes and so I decided to kill a few birds with one stone.  Eat some lunch, write my blog and hopefully, turn a decades worth of laundry into some cold hard cash.

Let me tell you something folks; I'm getting really good at this part-time business of turning a little somethin' something out of a whole lot of nothing.  

Here's a few tips and tricks I have learned under the gun... or more specifically, a budget. 

1. Someone may actually pay you for those 6" high heels that were a complete mistake/impulse purchase.

2. Little Caesar's Pizza always sells "Hot 'n Ready" large pizzas for $5.00

3. If you want to insure that your $5.00 pizza is actually fresh, make sure to order a plain cheese pizza instead of the pepperoni.  They typically only have pepperonis sitting on stand by, and not plain cheese.  So if you have ten minutes to spare, then you will have a fresh large pizza right out of the oven for five bucks!

4. All that spare change stuck together in your vehicle's cup holders actually amount to something! And if you are patient, and can multitask while watching a movie, you can roll about six hundred pennies in about thirty minutes.  Well six bucks, may not seem like much, but it does buy you that large cheese pizza we were just talking about.

5. A smile and friendly small talk goes a long way.  (The lovely manager at the pizza shop threw in a free drink for me after I told her what a great job she was doing.)

Sometimes it really pays to get creative!!!

This summer I bought a brand new pair of running shoes, an airline ticket to NYC and a full tank of gas, all with the loose change I had stock piled around my apartment in jars, purses and yes, my car.

It just goes to show that you can make a little something out of what you may have thought was nothing.

So if you'll excuse me, I have to pack up the rest of this pizza and walk over to the resale shop and see how much all that loot has earned me!!!

Just one more small step on this road to the big city.

Count your pennies and your blessings!!!! And by all means, get creative!


Today:

Woo Woo

1 1/2 oz Vodka
1 1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
3 oz Cranberry juice
on the rocks!

Live a Little

You know how people have bucket lists; all the things to see and do before you die?  I often wonder how mine would compare to someone else's.  Would it seem unrealistic or crazy?  Probably not.  I guess to my way of thinking, it is really quite simple.  I don't really have items to check off that are super dangerous or exotic.  In fact, you might even say it was kind of... a short list.

A short bucket list.  Huh.  Well I suppose that is the good news...  Shouldn't be too difficult to accomplish, right?  Eh, wrong! 

I may not have any desire to climb Everest, parachute from a plane, or anything extreme like that, but I do want to live a little.  

The older I get, the more I realize how difficult it is to accomplish all the things you imagined for your life, when you were young.  And although I am not old per se, I am old enough to understand that my bucket list may be a lot more difficult to execute than I had initially anticipated.  

Not every item on the list is something solely within my own power to procure.  Having a family for instance; it all sounds pretty simple, but it isn't something totally in my power or control.  Or is it?  You know, I will have to cycle back around to that one later.

In any case, having a basic outline of things you wish to see, do, experience or accomplish in your life is a good thing.  Checking those things off, is even better. 

In some ways, it's deflating to recognize how little I have actually done thus far to check off this list.  The Seven Wonders of the World for instance, may take years to see.  Seven widely distant, far off places; all requiring time, money and a current passport (if you want to see them all).  Anyway, you get the picture. 

After much consideration, I have made a minor tweak to my list.  I simply challenge myself to experience life (a little) outside of my comfort zone.  You know; try eating weird things with squishy textures, stay out walking with friends until sunrise, wear red lipstick like a fearless fashionista, audition for a broadway play, paint a portrait in the gardens of Versailles or Central Park, eat gelato on the back of a speeding scooter through Rome, or maybe even go on a blind date... 

I think it's time to savor the sweetness of life.  I've been a little scared.  I've been cautious. Because I have already fell on my face financially and romantically a few times this past decade, this shouldn't be too difficult a task.  

Life is for the living.  And I do believe that while we certainly cannot control much, we can do what is within our power to expand our horizons and push our own perceived limitations.  I think it's time to get out there and live life... if only just a little.

There's no time like the present.

Today:

Dirty Gin Martini (one of my favorites)

2 1/2 oz Hendricks Gin
Splash of Olive Juice
Swirl and strain into a chilled martini glass
Garnish with three olives.

Bucket List: Live in an Airstream

Fearlessly Eat Exotic/Squishy Foods

Have a little fun...

  

Cents and Sensibility

The other day I came across something I hadn't ever seen before: a 1943 Wheat Penny.  As I plucked it out from the pile of loose change jingling around in the bottom of my purse, my fingertips glided across the worn face of old "honest Abe." The coin itself has seen better days, but remains in fair condition.  Just by looking at it, you probably wouldn't guess that it is seventy years old, except for a few worn edges and the exposed base metal.

I did a little research because I am, without a doubt, a bit of a romantic when it comes to antiquities.  What I discovered surprised me a little.  1943 Wheat Pennies were minted with a different base metal than the traditional copper pennies created the previous and following years; they are unique.  Even more curious, is that some of these pennies minted in 1943 were accidentally minted in copper rather than the base metal originally intended; these are extremely unique.  

In the same excavation of my oversized purse, I found a few more wheat pennies that sparked my curiosity: 1944, 1941, 1952 and even a well worn penny from 1911.  Unbelievable.  

Now, I am well aware of my giant nerd status and I am pretty sure, upon reading this post today, you will be too.  Perhaps it isn't a big deal to find wheat pennies.  I wouldn't really know because I am quite an amateur coin collector.  In fact, I am hardly a coin collector at all.  But, I would say I know a lucky penny when I see one.  To me, the 1943 wheat penny is the golden ticket.  

You see, that was not the only unique face of American sense minted in 1943. It was also the year a true American ambassador was born: my father, my hero. 

These two particularly uncommon sojourners are worth more than words could ever possibly express.  How does one measure something or someone's worth?  How can you possibly begin the tedious process of examining the quality, the origin, the circulation, the condition and place a set value accordingly?? 

Like I said, I am quite a novice when it comes to the business of antiquities.  I do however have a keen awareness of value and rarity.  And in 1943, I can assure you, the two most rare faces of American values, were minted.  And today, I am fortunate enough to be in close proximately to both.  

Perhaps you'll just have to take my word for it.  But I believe that in time, both of these 1943 treasures will be spoken about for decades more to come. And I will have been the lucky benefactor. 

Seventy years may be a long time for a wheat penny to circulate from person to place, but is not even close to enough time to measure its inherent value.  And to my dad, I say the same is true... 

1943 was a good year.   

Happy Birthday Dad.  The value of one cent and a whole wealth of common sense is what you've instilled in me: cents and sensibility.  I can't even begin to know what all to give back to you.  But here's an idea... How about a 1943 penny for your thoughts?? 

I think that would be a good place to start...

Today:

Amaretto Sour

1 oz Amaretto 

Splash of Sour mix

Serve on the rocks!

  

Seizing Sunday: Rx Trading Spaces & Places

You know that feeling; when you just don't give a rat's ass?  When the cares of the workaday worries melt away into the furthest corners of your mind... until they disappear completely.  Are you with me so far?  Okay good...  

Well let's just say that when I woke up this morning, I hadn't quite surrendered to Sunday.  In fact, the rat's ass was front and center in my mind's eye.  Similar to the way smoke from a campfire has the bizarre super strength of permeating into your skin for days on end, so too had the remnants of a few stressful days behind the bar penetrated every pore and every molecule of my being.  I woke up exhausted and tense.  So tense in fact, I actually threw my neck out and have been unable to enjoy full range of motion as a result.  

The feeling is similar to that of being hungover... except you didn't get to experience the fun part preceding the impending headache.  So perhaps that is a poor example.  Okay, the feeling is more like a mental ass-kicking and the headache is the proof that you just barely made it out alive.  Yes, I do believe that adequately surmises the week I had. 

I woke up and almost instantly thought of all the things I had yet to do today.  I need to make that phone call.  I have to catch up on some laundry.  I am so hungry.  When am I going to have the time to sit down and write today?? The documentary screening is at 7:30 tonight, which gives me 7.5 hours to accomplish x,y and z...  Shower, coffee, phone calls, schedule some meetings... sit down and write. I need to write, to write, to write... Sigh...

STOP.  Seriously.  Just stop!  It took about an hour and approximately two and a half cups of coffee to snap out of the oncoming anxiety attack that was in full swing.  As if I was about to give myself my own mixed martial arts mental ass kicking on what should be a very restful and relaxing day off. 

After a long exhale, I decided to prioritize my 'Sunday Funday.'  And I decided that a long overdue phone call to my best friend took precedence over everything else: writing included.  

I have become quite regimented in my daily writing exercises; right down to the minute I begin and end.  And to a certain extent, this process requires a certain commitment level and discipline.  

But on the other hand, I've also realized how critical it is to practice what I preach.  

If I get so caught up in the To Do's of the day, I might deprive myself the joy of allowing life and creativity to flow freely from within.  The beauty of the writing process is how relaxing it is to get lost in the story, the words, the thoughts, the moment.   

So today, much like hitting the snooze button and sleeping in, I hit the snooze button on my To Do List...

And I am so glad I did.  At this moment (a few hours past my normal blogging schedule), I sit here with my laptop and my second mimosa: writing, sipping, thinking and smiling. 

Talk about killing two bird's with one stone!  

For most of the week, I stand behind the bar: serving, pouring and mixing.  Today, with gratitude, I have traded places with the bartender and sit happily on the opposite side.  It's a perspective that I need to indulge in, at least once in a while.  

If it's five o'clock somewhere, then honey, I'm there... And my worries? Well at this moment I just don't give a rat's ass. And if only for this one day a week, I have seized Sunday and followed my very own prescription for fun: trading places.  

Next stop... the beach.  The laundry list will have to just wait. 

Today: 

Top Shelf Mimosa

3/4 Glass of Champagne

Splash of St. Germaine Liqueur 

Splash of Orange and Pineapple Juices

Under the Influence

As a bartender, it is part of my job description to be able to determine when a person is near the point of intoxication.  It's a bit of a fine line and you have to take into account a variety of factors.  Height, weight, and gender all play important factors to how long it will take for alcohol to pass through the blood stream.  This aspect of my job can be... tricky.

While you definitely want your guests to enjoy themselves and let loose a bit, you also have to keep their safety and best interests in mind.  The choices a person makes while under the influence can directly impact the course of their lives.  The decision to cut someone off is not one that I have ever delighted in or taken lightly.

For the past few days, I have been on a little weekend getaway with my family.  My two nieces are still young and are drinking up every ounce of what we as adults, say and do.  They are very much, under the influence.  That realization has struck me on many levels and it is also something I do not take lightly.

And I wondered yesterday if the same rules apply when determining if a person is under the influence.  What has occurred to me, as I have studied my entire family as well as my nieces, is that we all fall under the influence of others from time to time.  While that is a huge responsibility, it can also be a truly wonderful experiment.

But it's a tricky thing too... depending on who is influencing you.

Yesterday I wrote a list; a prescription for FUN.  Before I knew it, I looked around and saw my dad and brother flying a kite, my nieces were playing fetch with my dogs and my mom had snuck away to steal a little time for herself and everyone had a sudden hankering for a Bloody Mary.  Everything I added to the list yesterday, we were checking off and enjoying. 

I felt the warming effects of falling under the influence. We all felt it.  I suppose age, weight, gender and height aren't as relevant when determining if a person can fall under the influence... of others.  It is a big responsibility; when you realize how much you can affect another persons' choices and perspectives... and furthermore, how much others' can influence you.

Who knows what you might teach someone; young or old.  Who knows what you might also learn.

Today:

Island Kite

1 oz Watermelon Vodka
1 oz Vodka
1/2 oz Midori
Splash of lemonade 
Shake and strain into a martini glass.
Let grenadine sink to the bottom of glass. 

Bloody Mary made from scratch.

Flying a kite.

Seizing Sunday: Rx FUN

A cold front has set in over the great expanse of the North and it doesn't feel much like summer in Michigan this week.  The past two days at the bar were pretty rough.  Friday night was cold, windy and rainy.  I stood outside for about two and a half hours shivering, before the decision was finally made to close up shop.  On my unexpected Friday night off, I picked up a pizza on my way home.  The chilly weather outside didn't really motivate me to want to go anywhere but straight home.

Saturday night was looking even worse.  With no word of work being canceled, I suited up and prepared for another drizzly night at the bar.  I have to admit that I did not have the best attitude for a good thirty minutes.  I was frustrated with the situation.  Poor weather means no customers and that is not what you want when your pay scale is directly related to the number of people you serve.

But on the other hand, what the weather did provide was an unexpected weekend off.  An hour after I got to work, we decided the rainy weather wasn't going to blow over any time soon.  And that meant one thing to me: freedom!

Sometimes you just have to seize the moment.  Life is full of unexpected surprises.  And while most of the time you can plan your days from week to week, you can't always plan on what to expect.  Things happen.  Just as unpredictable as the weather, so too is the nature of planning.  Things change.  You can plan this or that but you'd better be flexible.

I didn't make any money this weekend at work.  But what I have right now is worth so much more.  I was able to join my family at our cabin up north and the time I am spending with them is an unexpected and treasured gift I was handed this weekend.

I woke up next to my little nieces.  We had a slumber party in my cabin and it was a blast.  Today, I have a prescription for you.  

***Rx: Fun.***

If you are at a loss for fun things to do on this Sunday FUNday, here are a few of my very favorite simple joys in life... and all of these I have done this week!!

FUN

1. Go for a drive and pull over at a few of the scenic turnouts along the way. (They are there for a reason).

2. Go ride a bike! If you don't own a bike, go to the beach and rent one!! Trust me on this!

3. Fly a kite! The dollar store is a great option. The kites are pretty tricky to fly, but that kind of makes it more fun.

4. Tell a ghost story.  You will feel like a kid again too!

5. Spend time with your family.  If you don't like your family, go borrow a friend's.

6. Play fetch with a dog. Again if you don't have a dog, merge #5 with #6. Same logic applies.

7. Have Sunday brunch! Sunday is my favorite day for a reason. You can eat breakfast at 1:00 p.m. and drink a cocktail at 10:00 a.m.  It is perfectly acceptable.

8. Phone a friend.  If you absolutely detest talking on the phone (which I am well-known for) then you can SKYPE!! I love seeing the face of the person I am chatting with.  And you can enjoy coffee or wine together!!

9. Stay up late/sleep in late. It's Sunday and no one will care. Remember #7?? Anything goes.

10.  Get off your computer and get outside to go on a nature walk. (This is going to happen right now!)

Today:

Loaded Bloody Mary

1 oz Vodka 
Fill glass with Zing Zang Bloody Mary mix
Garnish with skewer of pickles, olives, cheddar cheese cubes, and a Slim Jim (Or pepperoni) 

Old Fashioned Hopes-Modern Day Dreams

Yesterday, an older couple sat down next to each other on a comfy bench. They were side by side. The gentleman ordered for his wife first, and then for himself.  It happened that both of the drinks they ordered were only offered inside the restaurant at the main bar, not outside on the patio.  They were my last guests of the night, and were so sweet to me that I couldn’t help but want to curl up on the couch with them, so I made an exception.

I presented his wife first with her glass of Cabernet and then to her husband what he had ordered: a rye whiskey Old Fashioned.  

Everyone else on the patio sipped their cocktails from plastic cups with big red straws. The rules outside are pretty strict about not serving glassware on the patio.  But for these two people, I decided to bend the rules a little. Why not? They were the kind of people who probably wouldn’t have noticed or made a big deal if I had served their special drinks in the standard outdoor ware, and for that, I wanted to treat them with even more care. 

The man asked my name right away, and for the remainder of the evening, he would address me by it and thank me by it.  It occurred to me that he was like his drink, old fashioned.

They asked me about my story. Where I was from, why I was living here, working here etc. One detail of my life soon bled into a short synopsis of what had been the past six or seven years, since I graduated from college. 

The woman, who had been elegantly sipping her wine, suddenly perked up when I said that I was hoping to move to New York City come fall. “Well that’s where I am from originally,” she said.  Upon hearing her story, I was surprised to learn that she had been divorced after 29 years of marriage and that the gentleman she was with was her second husband.  They had a modern day love story. She offered me some advice.  “Write down ten things you want in a husband, really think about it, then go live your life. When you meet the one, you’ll know it because he will check off everything on your list.”

So thanks to an old fashioned man and his wife for sharing their modern day love story with me. Here is my list:

1. Humor
2. Integrity
3. Love of Family
4. Good Work Ethic
5. Intelligence
6. Loyal and Trustworthy (Who also trusts me and gives me freedom)
7. Good Lover (let’s be honest)
8. Sobriety/Not an Addict (No drugs. Enjoys some Alcohol, but not to excess.)
9. Spiritual Leader (Not dogmatic or Close minded)
10. Old Fashioned Values (Generosity and strong sense of duty to family)

Only fitting:

Old Fashioned

1 ½ oz Rye Whiskey

Dash of Bitters

Dash of sugar

Slice of Orange

One cherry

Muddle and build on the Rocks.