A Day in the Life of Sneakers

Welcome to the Jungle

I'm back from my trip to Paris and having difficulty shaking the jet lag and thus adequately composing a narrative or a summation of my time in the "city of light." Let me just say that for me Paris, the most romantic city in the world, was much akin to my own experience with romance. There were highs and lows, elation, giddiness, humiliation, communication changes, total awe, a little bit of rejection, and a little hope and promise for what could happen the next time.

On the day before we left, Kathryn and I found the perfect souvenir t-shirt which we thought most adequately reflected our Parisian experience (we expect a lot from a souvenir.) Picture the Eiffel Tower crashes into G&R's "Appetite for Destruction." They are so COOL, no matter what anyone else says :)

More blog posts about Paris to come . . . .

Cirque Du Soleil

I had the opportunity to witness many feats of strength, daring, creativity and FLEXIBILITY at Cirque Du Soleil's performance of "Saltimbanco." They were just as amazing to watch as they were when I first saw them in NYC many years ago. I was also humbled to find that I did not understand a single French word spoken at the intro. . . . oh well, I have mastered the phrase: Est que vous parlez l'anglais. Hopefully, that will be sufficient French for my trip to Paris. Three days and counting. . . .

Rant & Rave

I had just finished watching the movie "The Jane Austin Bookclub" with my book club gals when I checked the time. 6:40!! Shoot, I had a "black tie optional" dinner to go to in the Bluffs at 7:00! Sorry gals for rushing you out! I'm proud to say that I got myself together (dress, pantyhose, make-up, hair brushed) and there at 7:10 as people were at the tables, but dinner had yet to be served.

I was invited to the dinner by one of the men being honored, so it wasn't something I wanted to blow off or arrive noticably late. About two minutes after I sat down- he stopped by the table to greet us. "Hi" "Glad you could make it." "Congratulations" etc. etc. I then was shocked to find that it wasn't the rudeness of my being late that was then noted in the exchange, but my audacity to only reply "plus one" to my invitation as we all stared at the empty chair beside me. I'm not sure if it was stated as "I was hoping" or "You know you could have" but bringing a guest (i.e. a date) was definately implied. "I RSVPed for one," I lamely responded to my host and then pathetically twice more to a couple sitting next to me at the table.

I (thankfully) repressed my desire to "defend myself" and report that only 24 hours earlier, I had in fact been out on a date with a respectable man and we both "hoped to do it again sometime." Argh! I'm not sure if I'm more frustrated with the unnecessary pressure that is put on people (I know men get this too)to not show up alone at these types of things or if I am angry at myself for getting flustered by it?

The Rave is On
Back to the beginning of my rant. . . book club was most excellent. It was wonderful to catch up on life events (Malia's upcoming wedding or Megan's pending graduation and Joanna's new kitchen)and eat good food (I served a cheese plate: brie, soft bleu cheese and a "stinky cheese.") As always my review of spending time with these magnificant ladies is a RAVE! Thank you for being a bright spot in my day and never EVER judging me for being a "plus one."

Where Are You Mr. Darcy?

Take the Quiz here!

"Bitch is the New Black"

I don't mean to make my blog a string of videos . . . but this is a must share gem from the very brilliant Tina Fey. My favorite line is the last one delivered, "Bitch is the New Black." This is a very different sentiment than the previously posted video from Mr. Rogers, but ironically just as inspirational to me. BTW, I highly recommend her show 30 Rock You can watch full episodes of the second season online.

A Good Message from a Good Neighbor