Livin like a tourist

We live in a tourist-destination. Yet as often happens when you live in a place, you avoid doing the things the tourists do.

Conrad and I are trying not to do that (as you can see from “the list” page on this blog).

That’s why we extricated our butts from the sofa and unlocked our eyes from the brain-box (TV) on Friday night and compelled ourselves to head out on the town. That and we pay oodles in rent for the privilege of living in the city … so we figure we better do that while we can. 🙂

On Friday night we ventured out to a Sushi restaurant with a good “sit at the bar” happy hour / grand opening special. It seems like the word is out and our new little spot is discovered, as it was PACKED. So we went to our Plan B spot … “Rain” (I know, mom – I vowed never to return after “the incident” … but we went anyway).

After that, we wandered through the cold NYC streets, passed the Museum of Natural History, and walked down the history-themed subway steps to catch the down-town C train. A short ride brought us to W 4th Street … a little area chock-full with NYU students and jazz clubs. We met up with a new friend, Shirin, to watch one of her friends play in a band.

The “Village Underground” was just that — a little underground bar in the West Village. The place was pretty full, and the tiny dance floor was packed. But when our eyes adjusted to the dim light, we were surprised to find we were surrounded not by young, trendy NYU students — bt what seemed like a healthy gathering of white-haired B&Ts (Bridge & Tunnel … aka, people who don’t live in Manhattan) who came in to catch the early set and relive their younger years. I tell you what, we had a good smile about it, but we were hopeful that someday when we’re in our 60’s, we’re out at 11pm in a jazz club, up and dancing to the live band. Oh — and that was the median age. There was one old feller out there cutting a good ‘ol rug … he was no younger than 85 … his date however, well, we just hope his daughter was taking him out for his birthday 🙂

The band we were there to see took the tiny stage about an hour after we got there. Did I mention the place was SMALL? This is one of the things we’ve come to learn about NYC. Like most old construction, spaces are small. Even the famed Broadway theatres, TINY compared to the new mega-theatres built in new and developing cities. Anyway, small space, in the basement of an old building … and a 10-piece band takes the stage. Saxaphone, Trombone, 3 guitarists, lead singer w. 3 back-ups, bongos (or congos or somekind of hand drum that conrad always tells me I’m calling by the wrong name), keyboard, standard drum set … it was packed.

Music was great fun … Funk I guess it’s called. Our friend “Robin” made a guest appearance on the stage and I dare say he stole the show.

Great Friday night. Here’s to hoping Saturday and Sunday have some more surprises in store!

Are big-box anti-green?

Maybe so. But I still love Target. What’s a girl to do?

Went out to dinner last night (Il Bastardo in Chelsea, not too bad – but I wouldn’t go out of the way for it) to meet up with a couple friends from our Raleigh days.

Somehow Target / Wal-Mart entered the converation. While Wal-Mart elicited the typical “I don’t shop at big-box stores” from the well-dressed / well-shopped NYC boy, the reason surprised me. It was not because he wanted to support the little-guy. Rather, “Because I think the low quality perpetuated by these stores contributes to the increased ‘disposal society’ in America.”

Wow.

The argument is that the most even well-known brands make a cheaper quality of products to sell through the big-box stores. They need to cut corners to meet the pricing demands of these low-cost vendors. So what you see as a $20 discount, is partially due to inferior products. Which of course fail sooner than a high-quality product would. Which leads to more things being thrown away sooner. Y viola. Shopping at Home Depot, even when buying “green” products, is bad for the environement because we’re contributing to a disposable society.

<sigh> One more thing to think about when trying to change behaviors to be more thoughtful and good for the world.

What would you sing?

Conrad and I are watching American Idol. He tells me he could pass on it without missing any sleep, but somehow once it’s on, he’s sucked in like the rest of us.

The challenge for the singers tonight? Sing a song from your birth year.

Made C & I think about what we would sing. Here’s how it came out:

Conrad – 1974: “Hooked on a Feeling,” by Blue Suede (I was lobbying for “Kung Fu Fighting” … and also interesting fact, John Denver hit it big with Annie’s Song in 1974 … a song that was sung at our wedding 🙂 )

Becky – 1978: It has to be “You’re The One That I Want” as Grease came out in 1978 and had more than one chart topper. It was either that or ” Three Times A Lady” by the Commodores or “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” by Neil & Barbara. <Sigh> Good times.

So … what song would you sing from the year you were born?

Comments people … I want to see comments! 🙂

Oh … and if you’re not sure, look up the singles hits from your birth year.

Something in the water?

I can’t even think of how many friends have new babies or will in the next 9 months. Wow.

So for all the new mom-friends out there … saw a good blog discussion today about cloth v. disposable. I even had a friend recently say they were thinking of going the cloth route (an impressive statement … I hope it works out).

Anyway, a 2-part series… I thought the comments at the end were interesting as well:

• How to Choose Green, Eco-Friendly Diapers, Part I (aka: The Case for Disposable Diapers)
• How to Choose Green, Eco-Friendly Diapers, Part II (aka: Cloth Diaper Brands You Can Trust)

To paraphrase for the busy new moms who can’t take the time to read further, it was less about the cloth diapers and more about laundering them well — if they’re being cleaned by a service, do they use chlorine? The writer felt she would be undoing the good unless she could rewash the diapers. As for disposables, she ended up finding a brand she liked (called Tushies).

Food for thought!

Happy Easter!

Wishing all of our Christian friends a thoughtful Good Friday and Easter weekend. We plan to go up north to Connecticut to join Aunt Caroly’s side of the family for church service, ham and an egg hunt for the young-at-heart. It’s a fun tradition Conrad and I started even before we moved to New York. And since the NorthEast is usually a great time to witness spring, we’re usually surrounded by signs of rebirth and new beginnings.

A Happy Easter shout-out to Matt and Jen also … who joined us in NYC last year to celebrate our first Easter. We joined a small congregation for a sunrise service in Central Park. All 8 people who attended were cold … but it sure was memorable (we won’t be doing that again).

And, to those of you who revel in the sweet Easter treats, well … I can’t resist sharing a holiday favorite Conrad and I never stop chuckling about, it’s an oldy but goody … enjoy:

Healthy and happy

Momma J, Pappa K, and new baby brothers Benjamin Patrick and Nathanial Robert were born early this morning. Congratulations to big sister, Emma!

The twins are on their way!

Breathe, breathe, push Jerusha & Kevin … can’t wait to hear that you’ve increased the world’s population by 2. Keep us posted!

Where are the munchkin holes?!

The hunt is on. A recent trip to Dunkin’ Donuts revealed only chocolate, glazed, and cinnamon. Where did the holes from all the other donuts go? Is no where in NYC safe from the donut-hole-thief?

— in search of the jelly-filled donut hole.

And on a slightly more serious note, why is it that “Dunkin’ Donuts” doesn’t mention donuts at all in their product list. At least a common flavor list of your name-sake, please!

It’s a rain day!

… which apparently to NYers who work in 11 Madison means, just stay home!

But I donned the wellies, grabbed (I think our smallest, cheapest umbrella) and headed out into the mist. Now I have the whole 18th floor to myself. I may have to do laps or at least start singing 🙂

The truth hurts

I’m usually a smurfy fan of my employeer … toeing the line, and some days helping to paint it.

That is why I helped spread the message that the change from a retirement plan to a self-funded 401k model was a “good move” for us young generation and that we would be “about equal” in corporate contributions.

That said, it’s a bit of a slap in the face to read on page 7 of the latest annual report the fifth driver to achieving their 2010 growth plan, “Retirement-related savings: We expect to achieve retirement-related cost saving over the next several years, driven in part by Plan redesigns.”

Now, it’s likely I don’t know enough and this savings comes from people being free enough to make other choices with their money … but really, it feels a little like looking behind the curtain in Oz.