City Love, John Mayer

Earlier this year I was deciding on what to do for spring break. I talked to my friend Jon and he mentioned the incredible flight deals for New York. Several hours later we booked our seats (less than $230 round trip) and were all set for the big apple! Double the points because it was through Jet Blue (my favorite air provider)!

We decided that it would be best to take a red eye flight, that way we have a full day the following day. I have never been on a flight that took off in the just before midnight, that eventually landed in the early morning. It was quite the experience.

Usually I can sleep anywhere, but for whatever reason once we boarded the plane, I could not sleep on the flight. I took a sleeping aid, had a pillow, and a seat next to the window but could not fully fall asleep. At one point I almost passed out, but had heard the steward asking if people needed drinks. I raised my hand and asked for a water because I was thirsty. Several minutes went by and he brought various drinks to the other passengers. I thought he had run out of space on his tray, so I was expecting him to come back to bring me water. Alas 20 min had passed and I never got the water. So I continued to wrestle comfort all night while trying to fall asleep. The morning came fast, and soon enough we were landing at 5:30 A.M Friday morning.

The dark city greets us!

Jon and I collected our belongings and proceeded to the line of taxis. For whatever reason I thought a taxi ride would be more exciting than what it was. I expected speeded blurs with near misses of other cars. Only the latter seemed to be true. Seat belts were needed! As we drove through the city to our hotel, I was amazed at how close the tall buildings were. It really was a city, and not a small segment of a downtown metropolis.

We landed at our 4 star hotel (Doubletree Metropolitan), and decided to freshen up a bit since we couldn't check into our hotel. After checking in our luggage at the hotel, we decided to venture out into the city of wonder.

Our first destination was to see the Statue of Liberty. Thanks to a hot app on Jon's iPod touch (and his good navigational skills), we were able to navigate the subways very well. We landed at the bottom of the island, and rather than waiting to take a ferry out to see the historic monument, we decided to chill on a bench while taking in the sight. For whatever reason, I thought the Statue of Liberty would be bigger than what it was. I was expecting it to be the size of a multi-tiered skyscraper. I think that movies and television lie about it's size. :(

The national treasure from France

After stopping at the statue, we decided to hit the pavement to find Ground Zero. We walked several blocks until we got to the site of the terror that occurred on September 11th, 2001. I didn't know what to expect, but it was just a huge construction site with signs designating the arrival of the memorial that was going to be built. I think perhaps they should have built the memorial first, then the new skyscraper, 1 World Trade Center. (I recently saw a 60 Minutes piece on how numerous problems are delaying the building, and many are wondering if it will even be accomplished).

What WTC currently looks like.

We then continued northward, and stopped to eat at a little shop called 'Wichcraft. The restaurant was created by one of the judges from Bravo's Top Chef. I had one of their fried egg sandwich with bacon, gorgonzola & frisée sandwich on ciabatta roll. It was quite tasty and the perfect pick me up! As we sat in the cafe, I loved looking at all the business people venturing around. It seemed that many were in their 20s or 30s and all seemed driven. Also we saw several dog walkers and kids going to school. I think it would be extremely difficult to be in high school in the city. It seems like so many distractions would get in the way, that I would never make it to class.

No black magic involved in making my 'wichcraft breakfast!

After a late breakfast we took off to see little Italy and little China. Both of which felt unique because it was like we were transported to a foreign country. At one point we got tired and found this little plaza in the middle of little China. It was fun to sit and watch the people.

The guy in the statue helped stop the drug trade in Chinatown.


The view as we sat in China Town

By this time it was the afternoon. We decided to go to Brooklyn Bridge to walk across. A while later, we were so tired and I was somewhat grumpy that we decided not to. Instead we walked to the discount tickets booth near the bridge. We waited an hour and once the booth opened we got tickets to two shows. Fuerza Bruta that night, and Chicago the next day. Because we were tired we decided to go back to the hotel and try to take a nap in their lobby. Once we got there we noticed several people were checking in, and sure enough we were able to (total miracle for two tired travelers)! We got our bags and checked out our hotel room. Instead of two full beds, there was a single queen. We tried to work out a solution, but the Doubletree had issues on fulfilling their promises, but when you are tired you can sleep anywhere.

Hours later we woke up in just enough time to hit the streets for taping of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. We walked to Rockefeller Center and looked around. We ventured into St. Patricks cathedral, which had recently celebrated St. Patricks Day. It was very cool to see the high ceilings and the hundreds of candles honoring different saints. Also we sat in the pews and I discovered that when you are long-legged there is no need for for the knee rest, because I can sit on the bench and still have my knees touch the ground. :)

St. Patricks

Candles lit for one of the Saints.

30 Rock minus Kenneth

We saw where they filmed the Today show, the ice skating rink, and even Felicity's Dean and Delucca! Also while were walking around I noticed a guy on his cell phone. I did a double take and noticed it was the guy from "Take Home Chef" and the current season of Celebrity Apprentice. I pointed this out to Jon, and as we tried to remember his name, he walked back inside the nearby building. Turns out it was Curtis Stone... he also is the chef on the Biggest Loser.

Mr. Stone Himself



Waiting for Felicity and Ben... But they were a no show.

It came time to line up for the tv taping. I love going to TV shows and seeing how they film the show, the celebrities, and the free swag they give. Jimmy's show didn't disappoint. Since his SNL days I have thought he was hilarious and is a personal favorite of mine. From watching his show, I think it's a blended cocktail of daytime talk show (cool games, celebs), and late night (different feel of show, crazy jokes). We got to see funny and bleeping Ted Danson, greatest songwriter of the past decade Kara Dioguardi, and the electro band The XX. We also got free shirts since it was March Madness for Siena College (funny because they had already lost before the taping but we had to pretend that they hadn't played yet).


After Jimmy we raced to our show for the night. Rather than taking a taxi we decided to hit the pavement. I am glad we did because we saw several art installations in buildings. In one there was a touch screen wall. I decided it was perfect for a photo shoot so we took some photos.



When Jon and I had heard about this show, it sounded crazy so we knew we would love it. It's an interactive performance art piece that starts with a guy on a treadmill, which then goes to a giant clear slip and slide feet above your head (tall people duck), and ends with a dance party. On America's Next Top Model, they did a photo shoot of the slip and slide part so I was familiar with that element. The show was somewhat spiritual and had a liberating message, although that message is entirely interpretive as there is no story line. It was a really fun show where the actors interact with you, and you become part of the show. Not to be missed.

This is the fun-hot-mess that was on the floor as we danced! Ke$ha would have bathed in all the confetti glitter!

This was a highlight of the show... Dance party with glitter and confetti!

The worlds largest slip and slide!

After the show we took off for some dinner, and eventually decided for some Italian food at the nearby Osso Buco. It was a small and inviting restaurant with unique Italian food. I had the delizioso meat ravioli. We drank so much water with our food that our waiter must have thought we were crazy. After eating we took the subway back to our hotel, and fell asleep.

Tomorrow, Annie

While I am tinkering away on a new project please enjoy this video. Because Tomorrow is only a day away?!

Memories Can Weigh You Down, Up Soundtrack

As of late I think I am having serious brain loss. This isn't meant to be a , "haha he is so funny post," but more of a serious problem. During several conversations I forget what I am trying to say, or forget the word that I wanted to use. Also within the past year or so, as I read I can remember what I read, but the moment I put the book down, I could not tell you what I read. This even goes for once I finish a book.

I wonder if this is a problem with my short term memory? How do I fix this? Do these things happen to you on a frequent basis? How do you remember things you read or view?

While you think, I love love love this video... I just bought Up on DVD for $6.00 @ Target!

Voice on the Radio, Marie Digby

Early in my childhood I used to listen to a radio station that was meant for kids. "Imagination Station" aka KKDS ruled the airwaves at my house. To me the station was similar to Mary Poppins. As kids the radio kept us doing our chores on Saturday, we would call in and be rewarded for being knowledgeable, and the station put us to bed as it went off the the air around 10 PM.

Much of my personality has resonated from listening:

• I learned how to redial into radio stations to win contests, and the best way to call them (Not the local number). I remember answering a trivia question that required me to name all the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles... I thought I was cool.
  
• I learned about Drugs and Alcohol through the D.A.R.E. program that they aired on Tuesday nights. This later made me want to join a high school club that went around to various elementary schools to teach them about the same principles.
• The pop music greatly enhanced my music taste, and has helped me determine what songs have the chance to become a hit.
• I got to see my childhood idol in concert, thanks in part to winning tickets to see Shari Lewis in Concert. Growing up I was obsessed with Lamb Chops Play-Along. It was memorable to see Shari on stage singing and entertaining the crowd. There was the giant Lamb Chop that came on stage and that was somewhat terrifying...
  

As all good things do, the station changed formats and eventually floated away as the umbrella shaped airwaves rose into the air

The Fortunate, Cartel

While waiting for a movie to start I saw this and it made me laugh.

Play On, Carrie Underwood

2009 has been quite a year! It quite possibly might have been the toughest
year yet, but I feel like I have grown a lot.

To get me through the following have been some of my favorite most listened
to songs of the year!

Don't Stop Believing, Glee

My Life Would Suck Without You, Kelly Clarkson

Goodbye, Kristina Debarge

Empire State of Mind, Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys

Battlefield, Jordin Sparks

Ego, The Saturdays

Fallin' For You, Colbie Caillat

She Wolf, Shakira

Fireflies, Owl City

Obsessed, Mariah Carey

Good Girls Go Bad, Cobra Starship

Knock You Down, Keri Hilson

Halo, Beyonce

I Gotta Feeling, Black Eyed Peas

It's Alright, It's Ok, Ashley Tisdale

Bulletproof, La Roux

I Look to You, Whitney Houston

The Fear, Lily Allen

You Belong With Me, Taylor Swift

Hoedown Throwdown, Miley Cyrus or Hannah Montana (not sure which).

Give It Time, Molly Jenson

Circus, Britney Spears




Here's to more hit songs that make us remember who we are, where we are at, and where we are going. May you celebrate the New Year full of joy and enthusiasm spiked with a splash of safety!



PS The winner of our blog giveaway is Lisa P! Congrats on your new magazine subscription to Entertainment Weekly!

One Way or Another, Blondie

I saw this movie trailer, and there was one particular moment I laughed and re-watched! Can you guess it?

PS ONLY A COUPLE more hours to enter the giveaway!

Best For Last, Adele

Because of the holiday, I am extending the giveaway until Saturday at 3 PM...

Wanted, Jessie James

Okay so it's been more than 24 hours of when the giveaway was supposed to happen... Let's face it, life happens.

Last years giveaway was two Christmas CDs..... So this years giveaway is... Drum Roll..... A magazine subscription! Yes magazines are one of my favorite things ever... I love the glossy pages, the advertisements, the small print, and it's one thing I know I can rely on! The bad thing I hate is the number of inserts (bad for the environment, and don't they know I already subscribe).


Rules or guidelines of the contest*:

• The contest starts now and will go until Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 11:59 PM (aka just before Thursday arrives).

• To win, I must somehow know you... IE I met you at a friend's wedding reception, You are ____'s sibling and you have said hello, We saw the Michael Jackson movie together etc...

• Upon winning, I will contact you for the mailing address you would like the magazine to arrive at. Delivery of the first issue will depend on the magazine service.

• You may enter twice, but not on the same day or answer the same question. In a small paragraph answer one of the following: "My theme song for this year was," or "This year I overcame _______, all because of ______!"

• Winner will be selected using http://www.randomizer.org/
  

• Good Luck!
  

Your choice of one of the following subscriptions (upon continued availability):


Allure
Atlantic
Better Homes & Gardens
Country Living
Details
Elle
Entertainment Weekly (27 issues)
Esquire
Fitness
Good Housekeeping
Glamour
Golf Digest
GQ
Harper's Bazaar
Inc
Ladies Home Journal
Lucky
Marie Claire
Road & Track
Redbook
Ready Made
Parents
Popular Mechanics
Seventeen
Self
Smart Money
Traditional Home
Wired
Woman's Day



*(options to edit possible by organizer)

Annie Use Your Telescope, Jack's Mannequin

As most of you know I work for a national market publisher helping customers order books they want and untangle their orders (aka messes) placed on the web.

With this busy time of year I have encountered some odd situations and thought they might help you in case it ever happens to you:

• Local Public Television station calls to order DVD's we publish for their local telethon. I inform their representative that the title is out of print and that we are sold out. She immediately gets disgruntled and asks how she is supposed to show the presentation in a week and tell her subscribers that the show is not available as a gift with a donation. I let her know she can try calling our corporate office to make arrangements. Under her breath she mentions how lame of a company we are. Since when was it our problem that you decided not to prepare in advance and make sure that the DVD was available. Good thing I donate to the "other" station!
  

• "Okay let me just pull up your account... Is this Tonya Lastname?" "No sir, it's TAN-YAH, the o is pronounced like an 'A' but spelled with an 'O." I think she decided in first grade that she needed to be annoyingly different aka "My name is Sa5M, the five is silent."

• Within the past 3 weeks I have been asked several times what country I am from because it sounds like an British accent with a splash of southern hospitality. When I inform them I from the Jello state, they say that is so odd. One particular customer said it was probably because I have good diction and differing tone. "Thanks for the compliment???"
  

Enjoy these moments and check back tomorrow because it will be my annual giveaway, and this prize will help one of you all year long... guaranteed or you money back!