parents visit part one

Friday, August 13, the three of us went to see Jersey Boys... finally. My mother has talked about this show for multiple years, and every time she plans to come to New York, she mentions Jersey Boys. To my dad and I's surprise, the show was fabulous. As my dad said, "It's like watching a live Four Season's concert sitting down." Really, the show shattered my expectations. Glad you convinced us to go mom.

Saturday evening, after a day of work at market we headed down to Soho for dinner and drinks, via the craziest cab ride we have ever been on. I'm not even kidding when I say, thank goodness this ride was before dinner and not after. I'm pretty sure we were still spinning when we stepped onto the cobblestones of Mercer Street. Before our reservations at Balthazar we stopped by Bar 89 for what I believe are the best martini's in the city. Mickey, wish you were here, as you can see another great (partial) family picture in a bar. Is it that after one drink we are photogenic or are waiters secretly photographers on the side?

Gray and Yellow. Period. All over New York International Gift Market August 2010. Bedding, stationary, holiday decor, fashion, gifts... you name it, it was available (or already back-ordered) in a yellow and gray color scheme.

Second Yankee game of the season for Dad and I. Both times they lost. Clearly the two Oriole fans pictured above really didn't mind either loss, but still enjoyed the new Yankee stadium as well as a couple of "game day dogs" (FYI a "game day dog" is a hotdog or sausage of sorts enjoyed at a sporting event. The origin of this term dates back to my freshman year at Mizzou, where you will find the BEST game day dogs).

He still wears orange to a Yankee game, but due to the rain, my father reluctantly put on his first piece of Yankee paraphernalia, a $10 poncho. Dad scored awesome seats to the game, so regardless of a few small showers here and there, we stayed put and watched the masses run for cover. Props to Mom for sporting that poncho with style and sticking out the rain!

Since April 2009 Dad and I have been fortunate enough to visit the new Busch Stadium, Citi Field, Camden Yards, as well as the new Yankee Stadium. Where will we go next? Stay tuned.

Two baseball fans, rain or shine.

no pictures please

Yesterday I withdrew from the Philadelphia Marathon. I was planning to participate in the marathon this coming November, but due to the over-healed contusion in my foot (from two years ago), I am no longer able to run the distances I would like to. And believe me, at 23, I'm not ready to slow down, but I will slow down to let my foot heal so that I can pursue more in the future. Playing softball and running in worn out tennis shoes is a large cause of the continuous swelling and pain.

Running a marathon, especially the New York marathon is still on my bucket list, but is not in the cards for 2010. I have to listen to my body and right now, my foot is not happy running over three or four miles. I'm currently taking a few steps back, relying on the exercises and ice massages that my physical therapist taught me after initial injury. My workout routine has changed quite a bit from this time last year. To expel the high amount of energy I have and get my heart-rate up each day, I've turned to spinning. It is a great way for me to concentrate on using the right part of my foot and let up on the consistent pavement pounding.

I'm bummed I won't be running this fall but this period of healing will not stop me from enjoying the seasons changing or slow me down in the gym. A word to the wise: listen to your body, it tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.

small space sacrifices

Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, there are usually sacrifices that must be made. In my case, many "normal" household amenities, which are usually considered necessities, are my sacrifices.

For example, a kitchen table. I don't have one. For the most part my bed serves as my dining space, but on the rare occasion that my "coffee table" also known as a small bedside table is clear, I will pull up a chair, lean over, and try to fit my plate on less than one square foot of surface space. This is a challenge I have learned to conquer on a regular basis.

Possible Alternatives

A TV tray? Buying is a potential problem because they usually come in sets of four. And what am I ever going to do in this apartment with four TV trays? At most, only three people can fit in my apartment that is, without being on top of each other.

Maybe this vintage turquoise number could be something to think about. Too bad it's only sold in the UK. I'm sure there is some place in the city that sells them, or at least something similar. Thoughts? Ideas? Is a TV tray the answer to my dining dilemma?

A framed side table? West Elm, and many other home interior stores offer a more modern approach to the classic "TV tray." For example, this side table slide under a chair or bed and offer a close surface area. The only chairs I have in my apartment are my grandmother's vintage mid-century modern metal folding chairs, which I cleaned up, painted and reupholstered a few years ago. This type of side table would work with those chairs, but with a height of only 23.5" would it fit comfortably next to my bed? This is a possibility but maybe not the most practical.

Hmmmm... decisions, decisions. More to come about small space sacrifices.

i peaked last week

Last night I dropped the ball. Literally. I had one of the worst games I've had all season and sadly, it was the last game. Guess I'll have to hit the batting cages and get ready for next year. But don't get me wrong, there have been many highlights this season. Last Thursday I was given the game ball, got MVP of the game and most improved player of the season. Having two RBIs, making a run, snagging two grounders to make the out, and hitting the ball each time I was at bat.... well, we can easily say I peaked last week. HA! Yesterday might not have been the best game day but it was still a lot of fun.

In mid-June I joined the P&G Cafe Ballbusters coed softball team. We played on Thursday evenings in Central Park and regardless if we won or lost, we all went out for beer and pizza at the P&G afterwards. Here are a few pictures of the team.

The team after our last game, which we won.

Lydia and I, the youngin's of the team

The female members of the team

Dick and Fran; our number one fans, first base coach, and original Busters

Tim, the team manager and email initiator

Anna and Shawn, friends that pulled me onto the team

Dick at his post on the first baseline post.

A typical view of our team after a game

hello, arkansas

Hey, hey, I'm coming home! Aside from a few holidays and special events I don't get to travel back to Arkansas very often, but we're making an exception. Everyone knows the holidays are crazy with planning, family, visitors, parties, etc. and there isn't a whole lot of time to relax. Instead of waiting until Christmas, I'm taking a little vacation time after a friend's wedding in Kansas City. I'll be away from the city for a week in September to celebrate friends getting married, see my sister's new home in Little Rock, and spend some much needed quality time at home with the family. I still might pack the Wii, so my Dad can remember how good he is bowling. HA!

What I'm looking forward to (besides seeing my family):

- Eating fresh vegetables from my Dad's garden (PLEASE save some tomatoes!)

- Seeing the renovations my Mom has been working on at home

- Check out Mickey's new house

- Have coffee with Mimi,

- and jump into my uncle's pool next door. Oh, how I miss the pool. The beach is great, but there is nothing like a swimming pool in the summer.

Adios from New York!