Things I love about New York

As I was browsing through Ricky's fabulous and diverse array of hair products this past weekend, I began to feel really excited, not only about the fabulous and diverse array of hair products, but also about the fact that I am living in NY again. My relocation happened so fast that the fact that I am actually a resident of the Empire State again has not truly sunk in yet. But it's starting to, and I am beginning to think about all of the things that I still haven't done/want to do and see in this amazing city. In light of my continuing efforts to abolish my disdain for Tuesdays by participating in exercises of gratitude expression, here goes another list of awesome things that I love - specifically about NY - in no particular order...

E. 54th Street (my first home!), all the random people like the man who walks around the city with a cat sitting on his head, Pinkberry/Red Mango, the Sanrio store in Times Square, Buttercup Bake Shop/Crumbs/Magnolia, Saturday shopping in SoHo, Lenny's deli (kept me alive my first year), Mister Softee (especially my Mister Softee on 22nd & Broadway), the White Horse, Macy's, listening to New Yorkers talk (love the accents here), regularly homecooked meals courtesy of the Notaro family (kept me alive my third year), meeting new people from all over the place on a regular basis, waiting for my train and seeing the Manhattan skyline in the background, summer street fairs, the West Village, being able to go watch basically any professional sport in person, Central Park, the Yankees, Steve Madden, the Flatiron Building, Union Square, the Brooklyn Bridge (so pretty), the city's close proximity to awesome beaches, all the great pizzerias (and Angelo's Pizza when I am feeling fancy)...I could go on and on. But most of all, I love the many great people I have come to know during my journey here. They include some of the best friends I have ever had!

Thank you, Lord, for bringing me back!

Reunited and it feels so good

What a crazy/wonderful couple of weeks it has been! God has brought me back to the city I love, blessed me with a nice apartment in a safe area and a good job that will allow me to pay all of my bills on time (novel concept, right? Ha.) Thankfully, little Sonny was a very brave and good kitty on the flight and is adjusting well to his new digs. He attacked me the other night, so I know he is feeling comfortable. Even though there are still a few obstacles to overcome in this super fast transition (like, um, where in the heck is my furniture... apparently completely MIA, as the movers seem to have no answers concerning its whereabouts which is becoming a bit disconcerting as the days go by, although I figure they will have to eventually show up with it if they want to be paid), I am feeling happy. But really, how could I be too sad with Mister Softee and unlimited high-quality cupcake access permanently back in my life again??? Not to mention, on a more serious note, a lot of great people whom I love. I miss my family so much, but knowing a direct flight to Kentucky is less than two hours is comforting. On this Tuesday evening, I am feeling grateful for this new adventure. NYC - Act II!

Wildcats rock NBA Draft

I am proud to be a Wildcats fan tonight. I loved this year's team. Even though they didn't go all the way in the NCAA Tournament, they were some of the most talented and entertaining players Rupp Arena has ever seen. John Wall, who is headed to the Washington Wizards, is the first Kentucky player in history to be selected as #1 overall. Awesome! DeMarcus Cousins (aka "Big Cuz") checked in at #5 for the Sacramento Kings. And Patrick Patterson took the 14th spot with the Houston Rockets. Eric Bledsoe and Daniel Orton were also in the mix at #18 and #29, respectively. Not bad. I'm gonna miss these guys. They reminded me and many other fans why UK is still the greatest. But I am comforted to know that they are gonna be just fine...you know, making their millions and all : )

C-A-T-S! Cats! Cats! Cats!

Elvis Mr. Potato Head coming soon to a toy store near you

This is awesome. Well, if you love Elvis as much as I do anyway. But it's kind of awesome even if you are relatively indifferent to the indisputable greatness of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. The August release of this treasure coincides nicely with the annual Elvis Week. So exciting!

June=National Candy Month=excuse to eat lots of candy

It is no secret that I like candy. No, I love candy. I love it so much. And I know many other people do, too. I cannot remember the last day I didn’t eat candy. And I hope to continue eating it every day for the rest of my life. Even though I am a very picky eater and there are very few foods that I will even consider eating, I love almost all kinds of candy, with the exception of black licorice. My favorite candy is plain M&Ms. I’m so glad that candy was invented and that new varieties continue to hit the shelves. I think I will slightly increase my candy consumption this month so as to honor the existence of candy properly and I encourage everyone else to do so, as well. And you don’t have to feel guilty ‘cause how else would you celebrate?

Donate food to shelter animals...with a simple click of your mouse!

Hola, readers. I would like to direct everyone’s attention to the following Web sites (or just click on the cute icons I have posted in the sidebar of this page).

http://www.freekibblekat.com/default.asp

http://www.freekibble.com/default.asp

Each day, you can visit them, answer a trivia question about dogs and cats and regardless of whether you get the answer right or wrong, 10 pieces of kibble will be donated to animal shelters across the country to feed all the sweet doggies and kitties awaiting a permanent home. Such an easy way to make a contribution to a great cause!

Tackling the Tuesdays

In the midst of an irritating and seemingly futile day yesterday, I decided to make good on my vow to combat my crippling case of the Tuesdays by engaging in some higher thinking. So I made a “Top 25” list of the things in my life for which I am most thankful. I was surprised how easily it came to me (it took less than two minutes to type out!) I really think there might be some truth to the notion that having an “attitude of gratitude” can improve your whole outlook and mood. After compiling the following list, I instantly felt less angry and more positive about both my own life and life in general, despite the fact that it was a Tuesday. I should do this type of thing more often, and I want to encourage everyone else to try it, too. Doing simple exercises like this can really help us to remember all the good we have going on!

1. Jesus
2. My family
3. My friends
4. My health
5. Southland Christian Church/Times Square Church (it’s a tie)
6. My sweet Sonny
7. Cupcakes
8. Chemical hair straightening for white people
9. My Chi flat iron
10. Steve Madden
11. Cracker Barrel
12. Mister Softee
13. Manicures
14. Pedicures
15. Massages
16. Chanel mascara
17. Hello Kitty
18. Philosophy lip gloss
19. Sephora
20. The Office
21. Fried balls of dough (a.k.a. zeppoles)
22. OPI nail polish
23. Chocolate in all its various forms
24. Diet Dr. Pepper
25. Argyle in all its various forms